We have witnessed many engaging features focusing on visual artists: Martin Parr. Maybe cinematic storytelling particularly shines when presenting remarkably striking visual compositions. Today we have another remarkable example, by writer-director Yemi Bamiro, documenting the impressive professional journey of Kwame Brathwaite—an artist, musician and African American activist who exemplified a distinct politico-aesthetic approach.
Together with his sibling Elombe, he pioneered the phrase “Black Is Beautiful” throughout the 1960s by documenting the Grandassa Models in New York: emerging Black women who transformed into the transformative template for beauty, moving beyond typical cosmetic products and the usual white model of femininity.
The Impact of a Simple Phrase
The iconic phrase evolved into a radical rallying cry, an brilliant concise prose poem for progress. Just to assert that black people possessed beauty emerged as a empowering power in art, politics and culture. The artist emerged as a key figure in the Black power African diaspora cause by capturing images of Muhammad Ali before his legendary Zaire bout in 1974.
He became the official photographer for the musical group's African tour, and eventually assumed the role of the resident artist for the legendary Apollo theatre, assembling an extraordinary collection of African American artists. Alongside Elombe, he became the key organizer behind bringing the South African leader to speak in Harlem.
Historical Recognition
His son the younger Brathwaite recounts the their quest to ensure proper recognition for his family heritage after he was painfully overlooked in the nation's capital's cultural museum, opened by Barack Obama in 2016.
This documentary further reveals the deeply tragic genesis of Brathwaite's interest in visual storytelling: the disturbing images of the young victim, the teenage African American tragic figure whose mourning family member defiantly requested an open coffin so the violent nature of bigoted brutality would not be concealed.
From Tragedy to Empowerment
Through this representation of violence, the artist found a form of transformative realization that directed him toward photographs of community. His work were eloquent of celebratory strength and typically not overtly political: he established a innovative iconography of strength around which activist groups could unite.
This represents an inspiring testament of artistic vision that still resonate across generations.
