There have been numerous engaging films about image makers: Vivian Maier. Maybe cinematic storytelling truly excels when displaying remarkably striking still images. Here we have another outstanding case, by filmmaker Yemi Bamiro, documenting the impressive life's work of Kwame Brathwaite—an artist, artist and African American activist who exemplified a unique politico-aesthetic approach.
Alongside his sibling Elombe, he virtually invented the expression “Black Is Beautiful” in the 1960s by documenting the Grandassa Models in New York: emerging African American women who emerged as the groundbreaking archetype for aesthetics, abandoning conventional grooming practices and the predominant Eurocentric ideal of female beauty.
The Impact of Three Words
Black Is Beautiful transformed into a powerful call to action, an inspired concise manifesto for transformation. Just declaring that black people were beautiful proved to be a liberating force in society, politics and the arts. The artist emerged as a key figure in the Black power African diaspora movement by capturing images of the legendary boxer leading up to his historic championship fight in 1974.
He was appointed the primary photographer for the band's international performances, and eventually became the house photographer for the iconic cultural institution, building an incredible collection of black musicians. Alongside Elombe, he became the central figure behind bringing the anti-apartheid icon to address the public in New York.
Historical Recognition
Brathwaite's son Kwame Jr is interviewed the personal mission to secure proper recognition for his parent's achievements after he was hurtfully excluded in Washington DC's Smithsonian institution, inaugurated by Barack Obama in recent years.
This documentary additionally explores the profoundly sorrowful origin of the artist's interest in image making: the disturbing photographs of the lynching martyr, the young African American murder victim whose grieving mother courageously insisted on an uncovered casket so the violent nature of racial hatred would not be covered up.
From Tragedy to Beauty
From this vision of tragedy, the visionary encountered a type of transformative realization that directed him toward photographs of aspiration. His photographs were eloquent of celebratory strength and often not overtly political: he established a fresh symbolic representation of strength through which social causes could gather.
This represents an inspiring chronicle of creative genius that still inspire decades later.
