History has seen countless compelling films highlighting image makers: Martin Parr. Maybe cinematic storytelling particularly shines when displaying exceptionally powerful photographs. Now we have a new remarkable case, directed by filmmaker Yemi Bamiro, chronicling the extraordinary life's work of Kwame Brathwaite—a creative force, artist and social justice champion who represented a special artistic-political perspective.
Together with his sibling Elombe, he virtually invented the expression “Black Is Beautiful” during the 1960s by capturing the Grandassa Models in Harlem: emerging African American women who transformed into the transformative standard for visual appeal, abandoning traditional grooming practices and the established Caucasian ideal of female beauty.
The Impact of Three Words
This powerful statement became a powerful call to action, an visionary memorable declaration for progress. Just stating that African Americans were beautiful proved to be a empowering power in art, politics and creative expression. Brathwaite emerged as a key figure in the civil rights pan-Africanist struggle by photographing the legendary boxer leading up to his legendary Rumble in the Jungle in the seventies.
He became the official image creator for the band's continental journey, and later was named the resident artist for the iconic Harlem venue, building an amazing archive of black musicians. Alongside Elombe, he was the driving force behind arranging for Nelson Mandela to address the public in the community.
Personal Journey
The photographer's offspring Kwame Jr is interviewed the their mission to secure due acknowledgment for his father's legacy after he was painfully ignored in the prestigious National Museum of African American History and Culture, established by the political leader in this century.
The feature also recounts the inexpressibly painful genesis of Brathwaite's dedication to visual storytelling: the horrendous photographs of Emmett Till, the teenage civil rights tragic figure whose bereaved parent courageously demanded an uncovered casket so the brutal truth of racist violence would not be hidden.
From Tragedy to Hope
From this image of violence, the artist found a form of anti-epiphany that led him toward visual representations of community. His images beautifully expressed empowering beauty and often subtle in messaging: he curated a innovative iconography of pride upon which activist groups could unite.
It is an inspiring record of artistic vision that persists in resonate through the years.
