We have witnessed numerous engaging films focusing on photographers: Martin Parr. Maybe the documentary format truly excels when presenting exceptionally powerful visual compositions. Now arrives a new exceptional example, directed by writer-director Yemi Bamiro, documenting the remarkable career of Kwame Brathwaite—an artist, musician and African American activist who represented a unique artistic-political vision.
Alongside his sibling Elombe, he effectively created the expression “Black Is Beautiful” during the 1960s by capturing the Grandassa Models in New York: young African American women who emerged as the transformative standard for visual appeal, moving beyond typical cosmetic products and the established white model of womanhood.
The Power of Three Words
This powerful statement evolved into a powerful unifying message, an inspired three-word manifesto for progress. Simply declaring that African Americans possessed beauty became a liberating influence in art, social movements and creative expression. The photographer emerged as part of the Black power pan-Africanist cause by capturing images of Muhammad Ali before his iconic championship fight in the seventies.
He was appointed the official image creator for the band's international performances, and subsequently assumed the role of the resident artist for the legendary Apollo theatre, assembling an extraordinary portfolio of African American artists. Alongside his sibling, he was the driving force behind bringing Nelson Mandela to address the public in the community.
Personal Journey
His son his namesake is interviewed the family's mission to achieve appropriate credit for his family heritage after he was unjustly overlooked in the prestigious Smithsonian institution, inaugurated by the former president in this century.
The film further reveals the inexpressibly painful genesis of Brathwaite's interest in visual storytelling: the shocking pictures of Emmett Till, the adolescent civil rights murder victim whose bereaved parent boldly requested an uncovered casket so the horrific reality of bigoted brutality might not be concealed.
Through Darkness to Beauty
From this image of horror, the artist discovered a kind of transformative realization that guided him toward visual representations of community. His work were eloquent of celebratory strength and frequently subtle in messaging: he curated a fresh iconography of strength upon which social causes could unite.
This represents an inspiring chronicle of artistic vision that persists in inspire through the years.
