History has seen countless engaging documentaries focusing on photographers: Vivian Maier. It could be the documentary format particularly shines when presenting particularly vivid photographs. Today arrives a new exceptional case, directed by creator Yemi Bamiro, chronicling the impressive life's work of Kwame Brathwaite—a photographer, artist and social justice champion who embodied a unique cultural-activist vision.
In partnership with his brother Elombe, he pioneered the expression “Black Is Beautiful” in the mid-century era by documenting the Harlem models in the cultural epicenter: young women of color who became the sensational standard for visual appeal, rejecting typical cosmetic products and the established Caucasian ideal of womanhood.
The Influence of a Revolutionary Slogan
Black Is Beautiful became a transformative call to action, an visionary concise prose poem for change. Simply stating that African Americans were beautiful emerged as a liberating force in art, social movements and culture. Brathwaite emerged as a key figure in the Black power African diaspora movement by photographing Muhammad Ali before his legendary Zaire bout in the seventies.
He was appointed the exclusive photographer for the Jackson 5's continental journey, and subsequently assumed the role of the house photographer for the historic Apollo theatre, building an extraordinary archive of African American artists. Together with Elombe, he was the key organizer behind bringing Nelson Mandela to address the public in Harlem.
Personal Journey
His son the younger Brathwaite recounts the their quest to achieve appropriate credit for his parent's achievements after he was hurtfully overlooked in the nation's capital's Smithsonian institution, opened by the political leader in this century.
This documentary further reveals the inexpressibly painful origin of the photographer's interest in photography: the horrendous images of Emmett Till, the adolescent civil rights tragic figure whose grieving mother boldly requested an public viewing so the violent nature of racist violence would not be covered up.
From Tragedy to Hope
From this vision of violence, the artist found a kind of profound understanding that directed him toward photographs of aspiration. His photographs were eloquent of empowering beauty and often not overtly political: he established a innovative iconography of strength around which social causes could unite.
This represents an inspiring chronicle of artistic vision that still inspire through the years.
