Benjamin Zephaniah: A British Affair

By Colin Graham 2001

Colin Graham

Benjamin Zephaniah: A British Affair is an attempt to study Benjamin Zephaniah through visual art and quotes.

"Benjamin’s messages in poetry and music about love, peace, and unity gave us the impetus for our school’s annual Kaleidoscope multicultural festival, which has taken place every year since 1998. The signed picture and books are treasured possessions.” —
Sue Kennedy, Head Teacher, Thoresby Primary School, Hull

One of my favourite images captures a meeting at the British Library in the mid 2000s, where I met with Peter Fryer, Benjamin Zephaniah, and a visiting professor from the USA to discuss Benjamin Zephaniah: A British Affair. In his hand, Peter holds a copy of Too Black, Too Strong, one of the books he was researching while preparing to write the introduction for the project.

Colin Graham

Colin Graham

Colin Graham

Union Blacks: Windrush flag

United colours of the NHS

This art work challenges notions of form and content by creating a dictionary definition of its subject. Because the obvious routes of a pictorial representation have been avoided, it allows the viewer the opportunity to reflect on the subject in a new way.

C.L.R James

Join Axis

Be part of a national network supporting artists.

Become a Member