There have been countless engaging films highlighting photographers: Vivian Maier. Maybe cinematic storytelling particularly shines when showcasing remarkably striking still images. Today arrives one more remarkable case, from filmmaker Yemi Bamiro, exploring the extraordinary professional journey of Kwame Brathwaite—a photographer, musician and social justice champion who represented a unique artistic-political vision.
In partnership with his family member Elombe, he pioneered the phrase “Black Is Beautiful” in the sixties by photographing the Grandassa Models in New York: youthful Black women who became the transformative template for beauty, moving beyond typical cosmetic products and the predominant Eurocentric ideal of female beauty.
The Power of a Simple Phrase
The iconic phrase became a powerful unifying message, an brilliant three-word declaration for change. Just stating that African Americans radiated beauty proved to be a liberating force in society, politics and culture. The photographer grew into part of the Black power African diaspora cause by documenting the sports icon prior to his historic Zaire bout in that era.
He became the primary image creator for the Jackson 5's international performances, and subsequently assumed the role of the resident artist for the legendary Harlem venue, creating an amazing collection of musical pioneers. Together with his brother, he was the driving force behind arranging for the South African leader to address the public in Harlem.
Personal Journey
The photographer's offspring his namesake is interviewed the family's mission to ensure proper recognition for his father's legacy after he was unjustly ignored in Washington DC's cultural museum, established by Barack Obama in this century.
This documentary additionally explores the inexpressibly painful genesis of Brathwaite's passion for visual storytelling: the disturbing pictures of the young victim, the teenage African American lynching victim whose bereaved parent boldly requested an open coffin so the horrific reality of bigoted brutality might not be concealed.
From Tragedy to Hope
In this vision of tragedy, the artist found a type of anti-epiphany that guided him toward visual representations of aspiration. His work were eloquent of empowering beauty and typically subtle in messaging: he developed a innovative symbolic representation of empowerment upon which activist groups could gather.
It is an inspiring record of artistic vision that continues to inspire through the years.
