There have been many compelling films focusing on photographers: Vivian Maier. It could be the film medium truly excels when showcasing exceptionally powerful visual compositions. Now we have a new exceptional example, by creator Yemi Bamiro, documenting the impressive life's work of Kwame Brathwaite—an artist, musician and social justice champion who embodied a unique artistic-political approach.
Alongside his family member Elombe, he virtually invented the phrase “Black Is Beautiful” during the 1960s by capturing the African American women in Harlem: youthful Black women who transformed into the sensational template for visual appeal, moving beyond typical cosmetic products and the usual Eurocentric ideal of female beauty.
The Power of Three Words
Black Is Beautiful transformed into a radical rallying cry, an visionary three-word declaration for transformation. Simply declaring that black people possessed beauty became a transformative power in culture, activism and creative expression. The photographer grew into part of the Black power African diaspora struggle by photographing the legendary boxer before his legendary Zaire bout in the seventies.
He was appointed the primary photographer for the Jackson 5's African tour, and later assumed the role of the official visual chronicler for the historic Apollo theatre, assembling an amazing collection of African American artists. Together with his brother, he emerged as the driving force behind securing the anti-apartheid icon to address the public in New York.
Family Legacy
Brathwaite's son the younger Brathwaite recounts the their mission to secure due acknowledgment for his family heritage after he was unjustly ignored in the nation's capital's cultural museum, inaugurated by the political leader in recent years.
The feature additionally explores the profoundly sorrowful inspiration of Brathwaite's dedication to image making: the shocking photographs of Emmett Till, the teenage Black murder victim whose bereaved parent defiantly demanded an public viewing so the horrific reality of bigoted brutality might not be concealed.
Amidst Sorrow to Beauty
Through this representation of horror, the artist encountered a type of anti-epiphany that guided him toward visual representations of community. His images beautifully expressed celebratory strength and typically subtle in messaging: he established a innovative visual language of empowerment upon which political movements could mobilize.
This represents an captivating testament of artistic vision that persists in resonate across generations.
