Nathan Carter.

Manchester Art Gallery.

During 2007, a group of people from Manchester worked with Manchester Art Gallery to create a new display for the Attitude section of the CIS Manchester Gallery. This display examines the city’s involvement to explore the legacy of the transatlantic slave trade and the impact it's had on contemporary life.

They commissioned graphic designer Nathan Carter to work with the group to create new artworks for the display and it was his artwork in particular that caught my eye. These digital prints were made as a response to the project.

a picture of the collection.

Nathan Carter.

Carter used the group's work as inspiration, developing a sketchbook of ideas which shows his own process of discovery. Even though his artwork is different in the sense of media when compared to what I like to use, I still find his use of hand-made typography inspiring. I think I'm going to experiment this week; I'm thinking bold coloured backgrounds for a retro effect, lyrical inspiration and black fine liner, maybe introduce myself to stencil work.

Manchester's involvement in the transatlantic slave trade played a significant role in forming the thriving, multi-cultural city in which we live today. The collection also consisted of objects that are linked to slavery. European objects such as sugar nippers, tea wares and historic English pottery from Manchester Art Gallery were compared with African artefacts from Manchester Museum. Members of the group also did their own research, uncovering facts, images, thoughts and feelings.