History has seen many fascinating films about photographers: Vivian Maier. It could be the film medium particularly shines when presenting exceptionally powerful visual compositions. Now arrives one more remarkable case, directed by writer-director Yemi Bamiro, chronicling the extraordinary professional journey of Kwame Brathwaite—a photographer, performer and African American activist who exemplified a special artistic-political approach.
In partnership with his family member Elombe, he virtually invented the slogan “Black Is Beautiful” in the 1960s by photographing the Grandassa Models in New York: emerging African American women who transformed into the sensational archetype for beauty, rejecting conventional grooming practices and the predominant white standard of female beauty.
The Influence of a Simple Phrase
This powerful statement evolved into a radical rallying cry, an visionary three-word prose poem for transformation. Just declaring that black people were beautiful emerged as a transformative force in society, politics and the arts. The artist became integral to the Black power African diaspora cause by documenting the legendary boxer prior to his iconic championship fight in the seventies.
He became the primary visual documentarian for the Jackson 5's international performances, and subsequently assumed the role of the house photographer for the historic Harlem venue, creating an incredible portfolio of African American artists. Alongside Elombe, he became the key organizer behind securing the South African leader to appear in New York.
Historical Recognition
Brathwaite's son the younger Brathwaite is interviewed the personal quest to achieve due acknowledgment for his family heritage after he was painfully ignored in the prestigious National Museum of African American History and Culture, established by the political leader in recent years.
The film further reveals the inexpressibly painful origin of Brathwaite's dedication to image making: the horrendous photographs of the young victim, the adolescent African American tragic figure whose grieving mother courageously demanded an uncovered casket so the horrific reality of racist violence would not be concealed.
From Tragedy to Empowerment
Through this vision of violence, the artist found a kind of transformative realization that led him toward visual representations of aspiration. His images powerfully conveyed empowering beauty and frequently nuanced in approach: he developed a innovative visual language of pride around which political movements could mobilize.
The documentary stands as an captivating record of cultural impact that persists in resonate across generations.
