THE 1897
Services
BRAND REFRESH
Year
2025
The 1897 is a creative agency dedicated to amplifying Black and African art through collaboration and meaningful discourse. Operating at the intersection of art, advisory, and cultural strategy, the brand exists as a global connector by bringing together collectors, artists, brands, and institutions across Africa and its diaspora. Its mission is to nurture a community that celebrates the richness, complexity, and future of African art. With a vision for a world where Black and African art is amplified, valued, and seamlessly integrated into global cultural conversations, The 1897 positions itself as both a platform and a bridge.
The 1897 is a creative agency dedicated to amplifying Black and African art through collaboration and meaningful discourse. Operating at the intersection of art, advisory, and cultural strategy, the brand exists as a global connector by bringing together collectors, artists, brands, and institutions across Africa and its diaspora. Its mission is to nurture a community that celebrates the richness, complexity, and future of African art. With a vision for a world where Black and African art is amplified, valued, and seamlessly integrated into global cultural conversations, The 1897 positions itself as both a platform and a bridge.
Our Approach
The goal of the refresh was to refine and strengthen the brand’s visual identity while preserving its intellectual and cultural depth. We focused on creating a system that feels considered, elevated, and aligned with the agency’s role within the global art space.
Rather than changing direction, we clarified it, giving structure and consistency to how the brand shows up across touchpoints.
Our Approach
The goal of the refresh was to refine and strengthen the brand’s visual identity while preserving its intellectual and cultural depth. We focused on creating a system that feels considered, elevated, and aligned with the agency’s role within the global art space.
Rather than changing direction, we clarified it, giving structure and consistency to how the brand shows up across touchpoints.
We worked on a refreshed wordmark, a more defined color palette, and a refined typographic system. The aim was to create a visual language that feels contemporary yet grounded in cultural significance. The identity was kept restrained and editorial in tone, allowing the content and ideas behind The 1897 to remain at the forefront. Every element was designed to support clarity, hierarchy, and sophistication.
Outcome
The result is a more cohesive and intentional identity system that reflects The 1897’s role as a cultural connector. A refined visual direction that supports both its mission and vision, while strengthening its presence within the global conversation around African art.
We worked on a refreshed wordmark, a more defined color palette, and a refined typographic system. The aim was to create a visual language that feels contemporary yet grounded in cultural significance. The identity was kept restrained and editorial in tone, allowing the content and ideas behind The 1897 to remain at the forefront. Every element was designed to support clarity, hierarchy, and sophistication.
Outcome
The result is a more cohesive and intentional identity system that reflects The 1897’s role as a cultural connector. A refined visual direction that supports both its mission and vision, while strengthening its presence within the global conversation around African art.
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