We have witnessed numerous compelling documentaries about visual artists: Tish Murtha. It could be cinematic storytelling particularly shines when displaying exceptionally powerful visual compositions. Today comes a new outstanding case, directed by filmmaker Yemi Bamiro, exploring the extraordinary life's work of Kwame Brathwaite—a creative force, performer and civil rights advocate who embodied a unique artistic-political approach.
In partnership with his brother Elombe, he virtually invented the slogan “Black Is Beautiful” in the sixties by capturing the African American women in Harlem: young African American women who emerged as the groundbreaking standard for visual appeal, rejecting conventional beauty standards and the established Caucasian ideal of femininity.
The Influence of Three Words
The iconic phrase transformed into a powerful unifying message, an brilliant concise declaration for transformation. Simply declaring that African Americans radiated beauty emerged as a transformative power in society, politics and the arts. The artist grew into part of the social justice global Black movement by documenting the legendary boxer prior to his iconic championship fight in the seventies.
He became the official photographer for the Jackson 5's international performances, and later assumed the role of the resident artist for the iconic Harlem venue, building an amazing portfolio of black musicians. In collaboration with his sibling, he became the driving force behind bringing the South African leader to speak in the community.
Personal Journey
Brathwaite's son Kwame Jr is interviewed the personal quest to achieve proper recognition for his family heritage after he was hurtfully overlooked in the nation's capital's Smithsonian institution, inaugurated by the former president in 2016.
The film further reveals the deeply tragic origin of Brathwaite's interest in photography: the disturbing pictures of the lynching martyr, the teenage African American tragic figure whose mourning family member defiantly demanded an uncovered casket so the brutal truth of bigoted brutality would not be concealed.
From Tragedy to Hope
Through this representation of violence, the artist discovered a type of transformative realization that directed him toward visual representations of aspiration. His work powerfully conveyed community pride and often subtle in messaging: he curated a new iconography of empowerment through which activist groups could gather.
The documentary stands as an exhilarating chronicle of creative genius that still resonate through the years.
