We have witnessed many fascinating documentaries focusing on image makers: Martin Parr. It could be the documentary format naturally comes alive when presenting particularly vivid photographs. Today we have one more outstanding instance, directed by writer-director Yemi Bamiro, chronicling the extraordinary professional journey of Kwame Brathwaite—a photographer, performer and African American activist who exemplified a distinct politico-aesthetic perspective.
Alongside his sibling Elombe, he virtually invented the expression “Black Is Beautiful” in the mid-century era by documenting the Grandassa Models in the cultural epicenter: emerging women of color who transformed into the sensational template for aesthetics, abandoning typical cosmetic products and the established Eurocentric ideal of femininity.
The Impact of Three Words
The iconic phrase transformed into a powerful rallying cry, an brilliant concise declaration for progress. Merely to assert that African Americans were beautiful became a liberating power in art, activism and culture. The artist grew into a key figure in the social justice African diaspora struggle by photographing the sports icon before his historic championship fight in 1974.
He served as the exclusive photographer for the musical group's continental journey, and eventually assumed the role of the official visual chronicler for the legendary Apollo theatre, building an amazing portfolio of musical pioneers. Alongside Elombe, he was the key organizer behind arranging for the anti-apartheid icon to appear in the community.
Family Legacy
Brathwaite's son his namesake is interviewed the their campaign to achieve due acknowledgment for his family heritage after he was painfully ignored in the prestigious National Museum of African American History and Culture, inaugurated by the former president in this century.
The feature further reveals the inexpressibly painful inspiration of the artist's dedication to image making: the shocking images of the lynching martyr, the teenage civil rights tragic figure whose bereaved parent boldly insisted on an public viewing so the violent nature of racist violence could not be concealed.
Through Darkness to Beauty
From this vision of violence, the artist discovered a form of profound understanding that directed him toward visual representations of community. His work powerfully conveyed empowering beauty and frequently nuanced in approach: he established a new visual language of pride upon which activist groups could gather.
It is an inspiring chronicle of artistic vision that continues to resonate decades later.
