History has seen numerous engaging features focusing on visual artists: Martin Parr. Maybe the documentary format truly excels when presenting particularly vivid photographs. Here we have one more outstanding example, by filmmaker Yemi Bamiro, exploring the extraordinary life's work of Kwame Brathwaite—a photographer, performer and African American activist who represented a distinct artistic-political approach.
In partnership with his brother Elombe, he effectively created the phrase “Black Is Beautiful” in the mid-century era by photographing the Grandassa Models in the cultural epicenter: emerging African American women who emerged as the groundbreaking archetype for aesthetics, moving beyond typical cosmetic products and the established white ideal of womanhood.
The Impact of a Simple Phrase
The iconic phrase transformed into a transformative unifying message, an inspired three-word prose poem for change. Merely stating that black people were beautiful became a liberating power in society, activism and creative expression. The artist emerged as part of the Black power African diaspora movement by documenting the sports icon prior to his legendary championship fight in the seventies.
He became the exclusive image creator for the Jackson 5's African tour, and eventually assumed the role of the resident artist for the historic cultural institution, building an extraordinary portfolio of musical pioneers. In collaboration with Elombe, he emerged as the key organizer behind securing Nelson Mandela to speak in the community.
Personal Journey
His son his namesake shares the their mission to secure due acknowledgment for his family heritage after he was painfully ignored in the nation's capital's Smithsonian institution, established by the political leader in 2016.
The film further reveals the profoundly sorrowful genesis of the artist's passion for photography: the horrendous images of the young victim, the adolescent African American murder victim whose bereaved parent boldly demanded an open coffin so the brutal truth of bigoted brutality could not be hidden.
From Tragedy to Beauty
From this vision of tragedy, the visionary found a kind of anti-epiphany that guided him toward visual representations of aspiration. His images beautifully expressed celebratory strength and typically not overtly political: he developed a fresh symbolic representation of empowerment upon which social causes could unite.
The documentary stands as an exhilarating record of creative genius that continues to inspire through the years.
