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Recently, the pioneering activist and photographer, Kwame Brathwaite, passed away at the age of 85. His impactful work played a significant role in shaping the aesthetics of the “Black is Beautiful” movement in the 1960s and beyond. In 2019, his work received renewed interest, with a major retrospective organized by the Aperture Foundation that toured the country, starting at the Skirball Cultural Center.
Born to Barbadian immigrants in Brooklyn in 1938, Brathwaite’s journey into photography was fueled by powerful moments in his life. His unique approach to capturing images using limited light and darkroom techniques to enhance the visual narrative of his work set him apart. He photographed jazz legends like Miles Davis, John Coltrane, and Thelonious Monk, capturing the essence of their music through his lens.
In the early 1960s, Brathwaite, along with AJASS, challenged Eurocentric beauty standards by creating the Grandassa Models, celebrating the beauty of young Black women. His commitment to showcasing the beauty and culture of the Black community continued throughout his career, even as he shifted his focus to documenting popular Black music icons like Nina Simone and Bob Marley in the 1970s.
Despite health challenges in his later years, Brathwaite’s dedication to his craft endured, with exhibitions of his work traveling across the country. His legacy lives on through his powerful imagery that captured the essence of the “Black is Beautiful” ethos.
For those interested in experiencing the impact of Kwame Brathwaite’s work, his retrospective is currently on view at the Art Institute of Chicago until July 24. An opportunity to delve into the beauty and culture he celebrated throughout his career.