There have been numerous fascinating documentaries about photographers: Martin Parr. It could be the film medium particularly shines when showcasing remarkably striking photographs. Here comes another outstanding example, from filmmaker Yemi Bamiro, documenting the impressive life's work of Kwame Brathwaite—a creative force, artist and social justice champion who represented a unique politico-aesthetic approach.
Alongside his family member Elombe, he pioneered the phrase “Black Is Beautiful” in the 1960s by capturing the Grandassa Models in New York: emerging African American women who transformed into the groundbreaking standard for beauty, abandoning typical grooming practices and the predominant Eurocentric standard of femininity.
The Impact of Three Words
Black Is Beautiful became a radical unifying message, an brilliant three-word prose poem for progress. Merely to assert that African Americans possessed beauty emerged as a empowering influence in society, politics and culture. The artist emerged as a key figure in the social justice global Black cause by photographing the legendary boxer leading up to his historic Rumble in the Jungle in that era.
He became the primary image creator for the band's international performances, and eventually was named the resident artist for the historic Harlem venue, assembling an incredible collection of musical pioneers. Together with his sibling, he became the central figure behind arranging for Nelson Mandela to appear in the community.
Historical Recognition
The photographer's offspring Kwame Jr is interviewed the personal mission to achieve appropriate credit for his parent's achievements after he was painfully overlooked in Washington DC's Smithsonian institution, established by the former president in recent years.
The film also recounts the profoundly sorrowful genesis of the artist's interest in visual storytelling: the horrendous photographs of the lynching martyr, the young Black tragic figure whose mourning family member boldly requested an uncovered casket so the violent nature of racial hatred would not be covered up.
Amidst Sorrow to Empowerment
From this image of horror, Brathwaite found a kind of profound understanding that led him toward images of beauty. His work powerfully conveyed empowering beauty and frequently subtle in messaging: he curated a fresh visual language of strength upon which political movements could unite.
It is an inspiring record of artistic vision that continues to empower decades later.
