There have been numerous fascinating features focusing on image makers: Tish Murtha. Maybe the film medium particularly shines when showcasing exceptionally powerful still images. Here comes one more remarkable case, from creator Yemi Bamiro, chronicling the impressive life's work of Kwame Brathwaite—an artist, performer and social justice champion who embodied a unique artistic-political perspective.
In partnership with his family member Elombe, he effectively created the expression “Black Is Beautiful” in the sixties by capturing the African American women in the cultural epicenter: emerging women of color who transformed into the groundbreaking standard for visual appeal, abandoning traditional cosmetic products and the predominant Caucasian standard of female beauty.
The Power of a Simple Phrase
Black Is Beautiful transformed into a radical call to action, an visionary concise manifesto for progress. Simply stating that African Americans possessed beauty became a transformative power in society, activism and the arts. The artist emerged as part of the Black power African diaspora cause by photographing the legendary boxer leading up to his historic Zaire bout in that era.
He was appointed the official photographer for the musical group's African tour, and later became the resident artist for the historic Harlem venue, building an extraordinary portfolio of African American artists. In collaboration with Elombe, he was the driving force behind arranging for the South African leader to address the public in the community.
Family Legacy
Brathwaite's son the younger Brathwaite recounts the family's quest to achieve appropriate credit for his father's legacy after he was unjustly overlooked in Washington DC's Smithsonian institution, established by the political leader in this century.
This documentary additionally explores the profoundly sorrowful genesis of the photographer's interest in image making: the disturbing photographs of the young victim, the adolescent Black lynching victim whose grieving mother boldly demanded an public viewing so the brutal truth of racist violence would not be concealed.
Amidst Sorrow to Beauty
Through this image of tragedy, Brathwaite discovered a kind of profound understanding that directed him toward photographs of aspiration. His photographs were eloquent of celebratory strength and frequently not overtly political: he curated a innovative iconography of empowerment upon which political movements could gather.
This represents an exhilarating record of creative genius that continues to resonate decades later.
