There have been countless engaging documentaries highlighting image makers: Martin Parr. Perhaps cinematic storytelling particularly shines when displaying exceptionally powerful visual compositions. Now comes another exceptional example, by creator Yemi Bamiro, documenting the impressive career of Kwame Brathwaite—an artist, performer and civil rights advocate who exemplified a special cultural-activist vision.
Together with his brother Elombe, he virtually invented the slogan “Black Is Beautiful” throughout the sixties by documenting the Harlem models in Harlem: emerging Black women who emerged as the transformative archetype for beauty, rejecting conventional cosmetic products and the usual Caucasian standard of womanhood.
The Power of a Simple Phrase
The iconic phrase transformed into a transformative rallying cry, an inspired three-word prose poem for change. Simply stating that people of color were beautiful emerged as a empowering influence in culture, politics and creative expression. Brathwaite became part of the Black power African diaspora cause by photographing the legendary boxer prior to his historic Rumble in the Jungle in that era.
He became the exclusive image creator for the band's continental journey, and eventually assumed the role of the official visual chronicler for the legendary cultural institution, assembling an incredible portfolio of African American artists. Together with his sibling, he emerged as the key organizer behind bringing the anti-apartheid icon to address the public in New York.
Historical Recognition
His son Kwame Jr shares the personal campaign to achieve proper recognition for his father's legacy after he was unjustly overlooked in the prestigious Smithsonian institution, established by the former president in this century.
The film additionally explores the inexpressibly painful origin of the photographer's passion for visual storytelling: the disturbing pictures of the young victim, the teenage civil rights tragic figure whose grieving mother defiantly requested an uncovered casket so the horrific reality of bigoted brutality would not be concealed.
From Tragedy to Beauty
In this image of tragedy, the artist found a type of profound understanding that led him toward images of community. His work were eloquent of celebratory strength and frequently nuanced in approach: he curated a innovative iconography of pride through which political movements could mobilize.
This represents an inspiring testament of artistic vision that still resonate through the years.
