We have witnessed numerous engaging films highlighting visual artists: Tish Murtha. Perhaps the film medium particularly shines when showcasing remarkably striking visual compositions. Now comes a new outstanding case, directed by creator Yemi Bamiro, exploring the remarkable career of Kwame Brathwaite—a photographer, artist and social justice champion who exemplified a unique politico-aesthetic approach.
Alongside his sibling Elombe, he pioneered the expression “Black Is Beautiful” throughout the 1960s by documenting the Grandassa Models in Harlem: young Black women who transformed into the transformative archetype for visual appeal, moving beyond traditional cosmetic products and the established white standard of femininity.
The Influence of Three Words
This powerful statement transformed into a powerful rallying cry, an visionary three-word prose poem for transformation. Merely stating that African Americans were beautiful became a liberating influence in art, activism and culture. The photographer grew into a key figure in the social justice African diaspora movement by photographing the sports icon before his iconic Rumble in the Jungle in 1974.
He became the exclusive photographer for the musical group's international performances, and subsequently was named the resident artist for the historic Apollo theatre, assembling an extraordinary collection of African American artists. Together with Elombe, he became the driving force behind securing the South African leader to address the public in the community.
Personal Journey
His son his namesake recounts the personal campaign to achieve appropriate credit for his parent's achievements after he was unjustly ignored in Washington DC's Smithsonian institution, opened by Barack Obama in this century.
The feature also recounts the deeply tragic genesis of Brathwaite's dedication to image making: the horrendous images of the young victim, the young civil rights tragic figure whose grieving mother courageously requested an uncovered casket so the brutal truth of racial hatred might not be hidden.
Through Darkness to Empowerment
Through this vision of tragedy, the artist discovered a type of profound understanding that led him toward images of community. His images beautifully expressed empowering beauty and frequently subtle in messaging: he curated a new iconography of empowerment through which activist groups could unite.
This represents an inspiring testament of creative genius that still resonate across generations.
