History has seen countless engaging films about image makers: Martin Parr. Perhaps the film medium truly excels when displaying exceptionally powerful photographs. Today we have a new outstanding case, directed by writer-director Yemi Bamiro, documenting the remarkable life's work of Kwame Brathwaite—a creative force, performer and African American activist who exemplified a special artistic-political vision.
In partnership with his sibling Elombe, he effectively created the slogan “Black Is Beautiful” in the mid-century era by photographing the Harlem models in the cultural epicenter: youthful Black women who became the groundbreaking archetype for visual appeal, abandoning traditional cosmetic products and the established Eurocentric model of femininity.
The Power of a Revolutionary Slogan
The iconic phrase transformed into a radical call to action, an brilliant memorable declaration for transformation. Merely to assert that African Americans radiated beauty emerged as a empowering power in art, politics and the arts. The artist emerged as integral to the social justice African diaspora cause by capturing images of Muhammad Ali prior to his legendary Zaire bout in that era.
He served as the official photographer for the musical group's continental journey, and subsequently assumed the role of the official visual chronicler for the legendary Apollo theatre, building an incredible portfolio of African American artists. Together with his brother, he was the central figure behind bringing Nelson Mandela to speak in Harlem.
Historical Recognition
The photographer's offspring Kwame Jr recounts the personal mission to achieve appropriate credit for his father's legacy after he was painfully overlooked in the prestigious Smithsonian institution, inaugurated by Barack Obama in recent years.
The film further reveals the profoundly sorrowful genesis of the artist's interest in image making: the disturbing pictures of Emmett Till, the adolescent African American murder victim whose mourning family member courageously demanded an uncovered casket so the violent nature of bigoted brutality might not be concealed.
Amidst Sorrow to Beauty
Through this representation of tragedy, the artist found a form of transformative realization that led him toward images of community. His work beautifully expressed empowering beauty and typically nuanced in approach: he developed a new iconography of pride upon which activist groups could unite.
The documentary stands as an captivating testament of artistic vision that continues to empower through the years.
