There have been numerous fascinating documentaries highlighting visual artists: Vivian Maier. Perhaps cinematic storytelling particularly shines when displaying exceptionally powerful still images. Here comes a new outstanding instance, by writer-director Yemi Bamiro, documenting the impressive professional journey of Kwame Brathwaite—an artist, artist and African American activist who represented a distinct artistic-political vision.
Together with his brother Elombe, he pioneered the slogan “Black Is Beautiful” throughout the sixties by documenting the African American women in the cultural epicenter: young women of color who transformed into the groundbreaking template for beauty, abandoning typical beauty standards and the predominant Eurocentric model of femininity.
The Power of Three Words
Black Is Beautiful transformed into a powerful unifying message, an inspired memorable manifesto for change. Simply stating that people of color possessed beauty proved to be a liberating force in art, politics and the arts. Brathwaite grew into a key figure in the social justice African diaspora struggle by documenting the legendary boxer before his historic championship fight in 1974.
He became the primary image creator for the Jackson 5's African tour, and eventually became the house photographer for the historic Apollo theatre, building an amazing portfolio of black musicians. Alongside his brother, he emerged as the driving force behind arranging for the South African leader to speak in Harlem.
Family Legacy
His son his namesake is interviewed the personal quest to ensure due acknowledgment for his parent's achievements after he was unjustly overlooked in Washington DC's Smithsonian institution, inaugurated by Barack Obama in this century.
This documentary further reveals the deeply tragic origin of the artist's dedication to image making: the shocking photographs of the young victim, the young Black lynching victim whose bereaved parent defiantly demanded an open coffin so the brutal truth of racial hatred would not be concealed.
From Tragedy to Beauty
In this representation of violence, Brathwaite discovered a form of profound understanding that guided him toward images of beauty. His work powerfully conveyed empowering beauty and typically subtle in messaging: he established a innovative iconography of strength upon which activist groups could mobilize.
It is an captivating testament of cultural impact that continues to resonate across generations.
