There have been countless fascinating films focusing on photographers: Martin Parr. It could be the documentary format truly excels when presenting exceptionally powerful photographs. Today arrives a new outstanding case, from creator Yemi Bamiro, documenting the extraordinary professional journey of Kwame Brathwaite—a creative force, performer and African American activist who embodied a special politico-aesthetic approach.
In partnership with his brother Elombe, he pioneered the expression “Black Is Beautiful” throughout the 1960s by photographing the Grandassa Models in Harlem: youthful women of color who transformed into the sensational template for aesthetics, rejecting typical grooming practices and the predominant Caucasian ideal of female beauty.
The Influence of a Revolutionary Slogan
The iconic phrase evolved into a radical rallying cry, an brilliant concise declaration for transformation. Simply stating that African Americans radiated beauty became a liberating influence in society, politics and culture. The artist became a key figure in the social justice global Black cause by capturing images of the legendary boxer leading up to his legendary Zaire bout in the seventies.
He was appointed the exclusive image creator for the Jackson 5's continental journey, and later became the official visual chronicler for the iconic Apollo theatre, assembling an amazing portfolio of black musicians. Alongside Elombe, he became the key organizer behind arranging for Nelson Mandela to appear in New York.
Historical Recognition
Brathwaite's son Kwame Jr is interviewed the personal campaign to achieve proper recognition for his parent's achievements after he was painfully ignored in the prestigious cultural museum, inaugurated by the former president in recent years.
The film further reveals the profoundly sorrowful origin of the artist's dedication to photography: the disturbing photographs of Emmett Till, the adolescent Black murder victim whose bereaved parent courageously insisted on an uncovered casket so the horrific reality of racial hatred would not be concealed.
Amidst Sorrow to Beauty
In this image of violence, Brathwaite found a kind of profound understanding that directed him toward photographs of beauty. His images powerfully conveyed empowering beauty and typically subtle in messaging: he established a new symbolic representation of strength upon which activist groups could gather.
The documentary stands as an exhilarating chronicle of artistic vision that still empower decades later.
