There have been many compelling documentaries highlighting photographers: Martin Parr. Perhaps the documentary format particularly shines when displaying exceptionally powerful still images. Today comes one more exceptional instance, directed by writer-director Yemi Bamiro, chronicling the impressive career of Kwame Brathwaite—a creative force, performer and African American activist who exemplified a distinct politico-aesthetic perspective.
Alongside his brother Elombe, he effectively created the slogan “Black Is Beautiful” during the sixties by documenting the African American women in New York: emerging women of color who became the sensational standard for visual appeal, abandoning traditional beauty standards and the usual Eurocentric standard of femininity.
The Power of a Revolutionary Slogan
The iconic phrase evolved into a powerful call to action, an inspired three-word manifesto for transformation. Merely declaring that black people possessed beauty emerged as a empowering power in art, social movements and culture. The artist grew into part of the social justice pan-Africanist movement by photographing the legendary boxer before his historic Rumble in the Jungle in the seventies.
He served as the official visual documentarian for the musical group's continental journey, and subsequently assumed the role of the house photographer for the historic Harlem venue, assembling an incredible collection of musical pioneers. Together with Elombe, he became the driving force behind arranging for the anti-apartheid icon to address the public in Harlem.
Personal Journey
His son Kwame Jr is interviewed the family's campaign to ensure due acknowledgment for his parent's achievements after he was painfully ignored in the nation's capital's Smithsonian institution, established by Barack Obama in 2016.
The film additionally explores the deeply tragic inspiration of Brathwaite's interest in image making: the disturbing photographs of the young victim, the adolescent Black tragic figure whose grieving mother courageously insisted on an open coffin so the violent nature of bigoted brutality might not be covered up.
Through Darkness to Beauty
From this vision of tragedy, Brathwaite found a type of profound understanding that directed him toward images of community. His work were eloquent of community pride and frequently not overtly political: he established a new iconography of pride upon which social causes could gather.
This represents an captivating chronicle of cultural impact that persists in resonate decades later.
