We have witnessed many compelling documentaries about photographers: Martin Parr. Maybe cinematic storytelling naturally comes alive when presenting remarkably striking photographs. Here we have a new remarkable instance, by filmmaker Yemi Bamiro, chronicling the remarkable professional journey of Kwame Brathwaite—a photographer, artist and civil rights advocate who represented a distinct cultural-activist approach.
Alongside his family member Elombe, he virtually invented the phrase “Black Is Beautiful” throughout the sixties by photographing the Grandassa Models in Harlem: emerging women of color who emerged as the transformative archetype for visual appeal, abandoning conventional beauty standards and the usual Caucasian ideal of womanhood.
The Influence of Three Words
Black Is Beautiful became a powerful call to action, an inspired concise declaration for change. Simply to assert that black people radiated beauty became a liberating force in art, politics and the arts. The photographer grew into part of the social justice global Black movement by photographing the sports icon leading up to his legendary Zaire bout in that era.
He served as the official visual documentarian for the band's African tour, and eventually assumed the role of the house photographer for the historic cultural institution, assembling an incredible collection of musical pioneers. In collaboration with Elombe, he emerged as the central figure behind arranging for the anti-apartheid icon to appear in New York.
Family Legacy
Brathwaite's son his namesake is interviewed the family's campaign to secure proper recognition for his parent's achievements after he was painfully excluded in the prestigious Smithsonian institution, inaugurated by the political leader in 2016.
The feature additionally explores the profoundly sorrowful inspiration of the artist's interest in visual storytelling: the disturbing pictures of Emmett Till, the teenage African American lynching victim whose bereaved parent courageously insisted on an public viewing so the violent nature of racial hatred could not be concealed.
From Tragedy to Empowerment
From this image of violence, the artist encountered a kind of transformative realization that guided him toward photographs of aspiration. His work beautifully expressed community pride and often not overtly political: he established a innovative iconography of pride upon which social causes could mobilize.
The documentary stands as an inspiring record of artistic vision that continues to resonate decades later.
