We have witnessed numerous fascinating features highlighting photographers: Martin Parr. Maybe the film medium truly excels when showcasing exceptionally powerful still images. Here we have another remarkable case, by writer-director Yemi Bamiro, exploring the impressive life's work of Kwame Brathwaite—a photographer, artist and civil rights advocate who exemplified a unique politico-aesthetic approach.
Alongside his sibling Elombe, he pioneered the expression “Black Is Beautiful” during the sixties by documenting the Grandassa Models in the cultural epicenter: youthful African American women who transformed into the transformative archetype for visual appeal, moving beyond conventional cosmetic products and the usual Caucasian model of femininity.
The Power of a Simple Phrase
Black Is Beautiful evolved into a powerful rallying cry, an brilliant memorable declaration for progress. Merely declaring that African Americans possessed beauty emerged as a empowering power in culture, politics and creative expression. The artist became integral to the civil rights pan-Africanist cause by documenting Muhammad Ali prior to his historic championship fight in that era.
He became the exclusive photographer for the band's international performances, and eventually assumed the role of the official visual chronicler for the historic cultural institution, creating an incredible portfolio of African American artists. In collaboration with his brother, he emerged as the driving force behind securing the South African leader to appear in New York.
Family Legacy
Brathwaite's son Kwame Jr recounts the family's mission to achieve proper recognition for his parent's achievements after he was hurtfully excluded in Washington DC's Smithsonian institution, opened by the former president in 2016.
The feature also recounts the inexpressibly painful inspiration of Brathwaite's dedication to visual storytelling: the disturbing photographs of Emmett Till, the young civil rights murder victim whose bereaved parent defiantly insisted on an uncovered casket so the violent nature of bigoted brutality might not be concealed.
Amidst Sorrow to Beauty
From this representation of horror, Brathwaite found a type of transformative realization that directed him toward images of beauty. His photographs beautifully expressed celebratory strength and frequently not overtly political: he established a fresh iconography of strength upon which social causes could unite.
It is an exhilarating testament of cultural impact that persists in resonate through the years.
