History has seen numerous compelling documentaries focusing on visual artists: Martin Parr. It could be the documentary format particularly shines when showcasing remarkably striking visual compositions. Here arrives a new exceptional case, from creator Yemi Bamiro, exploring the remarkable professional journey of Kwame Brathwaite—a photographer, musician and civil rights advocate who represented a unique politico-aesthetic perspective.
Alongside his sibling Elombe, he virtually invented the expression “Black Is Beautiful” throughout the mid-century era by capturing the Grandassa Models in Harlem: emerging Black women who emerged as the sensational template for beauty, abandoning traditional cosmetic products and the usual Caucasian ideal of womanhood.
The Influence of Three Words
Black Is Beautiful evolved into a radical rallying cry, an visionary three-word declaration for progress. Simply to assert that African Americans were beautiful proved to be a empowering power in society, activism and culture. Brathwaite became part of the civil rights global Black struggle by documenting Muhammad Ali before his legendary Rumble in the Jungle in 1974.
He became the primary photographer for the Jackson 5's African tour, and subsequently became the house photographer for the legendary cultural institution, building an amazing portfolio of musical pioneers. Alongside his brother, he emerged as the driving force behind arranging for the anti-apartheid icon to appear in New York.
Historical Recognition
Brathwaite's son the younger Brathwaite is interviewed the family's quest to secure proper recognition for his parent's achievements after he was hurtfully excluded in the nation's capital's National Museum of African American History and Culture, opened by Barack Obama in 2016.
The film further reveals the inexpressibly painful inspiration of the artist's interest in visual storytelling: the shocking pictures of the lynching martyr, the teenage civil rights tragic figure whose grieving mother courageously demanded an public viewing so the horrific reality of racial hatred would not be covered up.
Through Darkness to Beauty
In this representation of horror, the artist found a kind of transformative realization that directed him toward visual representations of aspiration. His images powerfully conveyed community pride and frequently not overtly political: he developed a new iconography of strength upon which political movements could unite.
The documentary stands as an inspiring record of artistic vision that still empower across generations.
