There have been countless engaging features highlighting visual artists: Vivian Maier. Perhaps the film medium truly excels when presenting exceptionally powerful visual compositions. Today arrives one more exceptional case, by filmmaker Yemi Bamiro, chronicling the remarkable career of Kwame Brathwaite—an artist, musician and African American activist who embodied a distinct politico-aesthetic vision.
Alongside his sibling Elombe, he virtually invented the slogan “Black Is Beautiful” in the sixties by documenting the African American women in Harlem: young Black women who became the groundbreaking archetype for visual appeal, moving beyond traditional beauty standards and the established Eurocentric standard of womanhood.
The Power of a Simple Phrase
This powerful statement evolved into a radical rallying cry, an inspired memorable declaration for progress. Simply stating that African Americans radiated beauty proved to be a empowering power in society, activism and culture. The artist emerged as integral to the civil rights African diaspora cause by photographing Muhammad Ali prior to his legendary Rumble in the Jungle in that era.
He was appointed the primary image creator for the band's international performances, and subsequently was named the official visual chronicler for the iconic Harlem venue, assembling an extraordinary archive of musical pioneers. Alongside his sibling, he was the central figure behind bringing the South African leader to appear in Harlem.
Personal Journey
His son his namesake is interviewed the family's quest to secure proper recognition for his father's legacy after he was unjustly excluded in the prestigious Smithsonian institution, established by Barack Obama in 2016.
The feature further reveals the inexpressibly painful origin of the photographer's interest in photography: the horrendous photographs of the young victim, the young civil rights murder victim whose bereaved parent courageously insisted on an open coffin so the violent nature of racist violence could not be concealed.
Through Darkness to Empowerment
From this vision of violence, the artist found a type of anti-epiphany that directed him toward photographs of community. His images beautifully expressed community pride and often nuanced in approach: he established a new iconography of strength through which activist groups could gather.
The documentary stands as an captivating chronicle of creative genius that persists in resonate through the years.
