The challenge
How do you visually translate nine personal stories about the legacy of the Dutch slave trade in a way that feels intimate, respectful, and invites visitors to get curious about their own past? The exhibition Legacies of Dutch Slavery. Nine Stories. at the National Archive invited visitors to reflect on questions of lineage, heritage, and identity, as told by contributors from former Dutch colonies.

The gig
As the graphic designer, I developed the visual concept and translated it into physical exhibition panels that centered the visitor journey and gave space to each contributor’s story.

Behind the scenes
I translated each story into a distinct visual language, tied together through symbolism and accent colors that told a unique story:

• Designed nine unique exhibition panels, each featuring a custom pattern inspired by the contributor’s cultural or historical background.

• Curated the visual layout, integrating photography and typography to enhance the emotional and thematic impact of each narrative.

• Coordinated and curated portrait photography for each contributor.

• Ensured cohesive visual storytelling across all panels while honoring the individuality of each story.

The impact
The result was a cohesive and meaningful design experience that connected visitors to the contributors’ questions and stories in an engaging way. The exhibition gave each contributor space to explore their colonial past and showcased the diversity of their questions. It inspired visitors to question their own history, dare to ask questions, and seek out information available in the National Archive.