There have been countless engaging features focusing on visual artists: Martin Parr. Perhaps cinematic storytelling naturally comes alive when presenting particularly vivid still images. Today we have a new remarkable instance, from writer-director Yemi Bamiro, chronicling the extraordinary life's work of Kwame Brathwaite—a creative force, performer and African American activist who represented a distinct politico-aesthetic vision.
Alongside his brother Elombe, he virtually invented the phrase “Black Is Beautiful” in the sixties by documenting the African American women in New York: young African American women who emerged as the groundbreaking archetype for aesthetics, moving beyond conventional cosmetic products and the established Caucasian model of womanhood.
The Impact of a Simple Phrase
This powerful statement became a transformative call to action, an inspired memorable declaration for change. Just to assert that black people radiated beauty proved to be a transformative power in art, social movements and the arts. Brathwaite emerged as part of the social justice global Black movement by documenting Muhammad Ali before his iconic Zaire bout in the seventies.
He served as the exclusive photographer for the Jackson 5's African tour, and later was named the official visual chronicler for the legendary cultural institution, building an extraordinary collection of black musicians. Alongside his brother, he became the central figure behind arranging for the anti-apartheid icon to appear in Harlem.
Family Legacy
Brathwaite's son his namesake recounts the their campaign to ensure appropriate credit for his parent's achievements after he was hurtfully overlooked in the prestigious cultural museum, inaugurated by Barack Obama in recent years.
The feature further reveals the profoundly sorrowful inspiration of the artist's dedication to visual storytelling: the shocking photographs of Emmett Till, the teenage Black murder victim whose grieving mother boldly requested an public viewing so the horrific reality of racial hatred might not be hidden.
From Tragedy to Hope
Through this image of tragedy, Brathwaite found a kind of transformative realization that directed him toward images of aspiration. His work beautifully expressed empowering beauty and frequently not overtly political: he curated a fresh visual language of empowerment through which activist groups could mobilize.
This represents an exhilarating testament of artistic vision that persists in resonate across generations.
