Renowned photographer and activist Kwame Brathwaite has left an indelible mark on the world of art and social justice with his groundbreaking work in the 'Black is Beautiful' movement. The iconic photographer, who passed away at the age of 85, was a pioneering voice for Black empowerment and self-expression.
Born to Barbadian immigrants in Brooklyn in 1938, Brathwaite's journey as a photographer began when he encountered David Jackson's haunting photograph of Emmett Till in his open casket. This encounter sparked an interest in photography that would eventually lead him to co-found the African Jazz Arts Society and Studios (AJASS) with his brother Elombe.
As part of AJASS, Brathwaite aimed to challenge whitewashed beauty standards by promoting Black identity through his photographs. He achieved this by capturing images of young Black women known as Grandassa Models, who were celebrated for their natural features. The group's "Naturally '62" fashion show in 1962 marked a significant milestone in the movement, showcasing Brathwaite's vision and commitment to self-expression.
Throughout his career, Brathwaite worked with numerous jazz legends, including Miles Davis, John Coltrane, Thelonious Monk, and others. He also photographed influential figures like Nina Simone, Stevie Wonder, Sly and the Family Stone, Bob Marley, and Muhammad Ali.
Brathwaite's dedication to capturing the essence of Black culture through his photography was evident in his work, which spanned several decades. His photographs not only celebrated Black identity but also provided a platform for Black voices to be heard. In 2016, he joined Philip Martin Gallery in Los Angeles, and in 2018, he photographed Joanne Petit-Frère for The New Yorker.
Brathwaite's influence extends beyond his own body of work. He played a crucial role in shaping the 'Black is Beautiful' movement, which continues to inspire artists, activists, and individuals around the world. His legacy serves as a testament to the power of art and photography in promoting social justice and self-expression.
As Brathwaite's retrospective exhibition traveled to the Blanton Museum of Art in Austin, Texas, and will remain on view until July 24, his work continues to captivate audiences and inspire new generations. The photographer's passing marks the end of an era, but his impact on art, culture, and social justice will be felt for years to come.
Born to Barbadian immigrants in Brooklyn in 1938, Brathwaite's journey as a photographer began when he encountered David Jackson's haunting photograph of Emmett Till in his open casket. This encounter sparked an interest in photography that would eventually lead him to co-found the African Jazz Arts Society and Studios (AJASS) with his brother Elombe.
As part of AJASS, Brathwaite aimed to challenge whitewashed beauty standards by promoting Black identity through his photographs. He achieved this by capturing images of young Black women known as Grandassa Models, who were celebrated for their natural features. The group's "Naturally '62" fashion show in 1962 marked a significant milestone in the movement, showcasing Brathwaite's vision and commitment to self-expression.
Throughout his career, Brathwaite worked with numerous jazz legends, including Miles Davis, John Coltrane, Thelonious Monk, and others. He also photographed influential figures like Nina Simone, Stevie Wonder, Sly and the Family Stone, Bob Marley, and Muhammad Ali.
Brathwaite's dedication to capturing the essence of Black culture through his photography was evident in his work, which spanned several decades. His photographs not only celebrated Black identity but also provided a platform for Black voices to be heard. In 2016, he joined Philip Martin Gallery in Los Angeles, and in 2018, he photographed Joanne Petit-Frère for The New Yorker.
Brathwaite's influence extends beyond his own body of work. He played a crucial role in shaping the 'Black is Beautiful' movement, which continues to inspire artists, activists, and individuals around the world. His legacy serves as a testament to the power of art and photography in promoting social justice and self-expression.
As Brathwaite's retrospective exhibition traveled to the Blanton Museum of Art in Austin, Texas, and will remain on view until July 24, his work continues to captivate audiences and inspire new generations. The photographer's passing marks the end of an era, but his impact on art, culture, and social justice will be felt for years to come.
I just found out about Kwame Brathwaite and his Black is Beautiful movement 
its so inspiring to see someone who was passionate about celebrating black identity in a time when it wasn't always accepted 
I love how he used photography as a way to promote self-expression and challenge whitewashed beauty standards 
that's like, totally powerful!
but his legacy lives on thru his amazing work 
i mean have you seen his pics of grandassa models? they're like, the OGs of black beauty 
and it's crazy to think about how much of a impact he had on the 'black is beautiful' movement 
he was literally a pioneer for self-expression and empowerment 
and i love that his work continued to inspire artists and activists even after he passed away 
can't wait to check out this retrospective exhibition in austin!!! 
Kwame Brathwaite was a total icon 
! He showed us that being Black is beautiful 
, not just in looks, but in everything we do 
. Even though he's no longer with us 
, inspiring people all around the world to be proud of who they are 
, and I'm so grateful we get to see more of it in museums and exhibitions 
!
and it's wild to think he worked with so many iconic jazz legends too...miles davis, john coltrane, that kinda vibe...anyway, his work is still holding up today, i mean his retrospective exhibition is getting a lot of love right now. feels like we're still feeling the effects of his "black is beautiful" movement, which was all about challenging these whitewashed beauty standards and promoting black culture. 
. His work was truly revolutionary & continues to inspire us today. I love how he used photography as a way to challenge societal norms & promote Black empowerment 
. It's no wonder he worked with so many iconic jazz legends - his passion for the culture was infectious! And can we talk about how gorgeous those Grandassa Models looked? 
The way Brathwaite captured their natural beauty was truly ahead of its time. I'm so grateful to have had access to his work & legacy, and I know he'll continue to inspire new generations of artists & activists 
I'm so sad to hear about Kwame Brathwaite's passing 
... he was such an incredible light in the world of photography and social justice 
! I mean, can you even imagine a world without his powerful images? He had this gift of capturing the essence of Black identity and self-expression in a way that was both beautiful and rebellious 
.
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. His retrospective exhibition at the Blanton Museum of Art in Austin, Texas, is definitely on my bucket list – I need to see it for myself! 
. And his work continues to inspire new generations of artists and activists – that's what it's all about, right? Creating a platform for voices to be heard and cultures to be celebrated 
. He showed us that art can be a powerful force for good, and that Black beauty is worthy of celebration – no matter what the world says