Kwame Brathwaite, the visionary photographer behind the iconic "Black is Beautiful" movement of the 1960s, has passed away at the age of 85. His legacy as a pioneering activist and artist continues to inspire new generations.
Born in 1938 to Barbadian immigrants in Brooklyn, New York, Brathwaite's early life was marked by a series of pivotal moments that shaped his artistic vision. At 17, he encountered David Jackson's haunting photograph of Emmett Till, which left an indelible mark on the young photographer. He also saw a talented street photographer capturing images without flash in a Harlem jazz club, sparking his desire to experiment with photography.
Using a Hasselblad medium-format camera, Brathwaite developed a unique technique that enhanced the visual narrative of his imagery, particularly when it came to depicting Black skin. His darkroom techniques created a rich, deepened appearance that has become synonymous with the "Black is Beautiful" aesthetic.
Throughout his career, Brathwaite's focus was on celebrating African American culture and challenging Eurocentric beauty standards. He co-founded the African Jazz Arts Society and Studios (AJASS) in 1956, which would go on to play a significant role in promoting Black artistry and self-expression. His photographs of jazz legends, including Miles Davis, John Coltrane, and Thelonious Monk, are iconic representations of the era's creative spirit.
Brathwaite's work also extended beyond music to include fashion, politics, and social justice. He photographed the historic "Rumble in the Jungle" boxing match between Muhammad Ali and George Foreman, as well as artists like Nina Simone and Stevie Wonder. His commitment to documenting Black culture and experiences has left an indelible mark on the world of photography.
In recent years, Brathwaite's work has experienced a resurgence in interest, with his first major institutional retrospective debuting at the Skirball Cultural Center in Los Angeles in 2019. The show traveled across the country, further cementing his legacy as a pioneering figure in the "Black is Beautiful" movement.
Despite declining health, Brathwaite continued to create and inspire until his passing earlier this year. His final commissions included work for The New Yorker and an exhibition at the Art Institute of Chicago, which will run through July 24.
Kwame Brathwaite's life and work serve as a powerful testament to the enduring power of art to challenge, celebrate, and transform our world. His legacy will continue to inspire new generations of artists, activists, and cultural leaders, ensuring that his vision of "Black is Beautiful" remains an integral part of our collective cultural heritage.
Born in 1938 to Barbadian immigrants in Brooklyn, New York, Brathwaite's early life was marked by a series of pivotal moments that shaped his artistic vision. At 17, he encountered David Jackson's haunting photograph of Emmett Till, which left an indelible mark on the young photographer. He also saw a talented street photographer capturing images without flash in a Harlem jazz club, sparking his desire to experiment with photography.
Using a Hasselblad medium-format camera, Brathwaite developed a unique technique that enhanced the visual narrative of his imagery, particularly when it came to depicting Black skin. His darkroom techniques created a rich, deepened appearance that has become synonymous with the "Black is Beautiful" aesthetic.
Throughout his career, Brathwaite's focus was on celebrating African American culture and challenging Eurocentric beauty standards. He co-founded the African Jazz Arts Society and Studios (AJASS) in 1956, which would go on to play a significant role in promoting Black artistry and self-expression. His photographs of jazz legends, including Miles Davis, John Coltrane, and Thelonious Monk, are iconic representations of the era's creative spirit.
Brathwaite's work also extended beyond music to include fashion, politics, and social justice. He photographed the historic "Rumble in the Jungle" boxing match between Muhammad Ali and George Foreman, as well as artists like Nina Simone and Stevie Wonder. His commitment to documenting Black culture and experiences has left an indelible mark on the world of photography.
In recent years, Brathwaite's work has experienced a resurgence in interest, with his first major institutional retrospective debuting at the Skirball Cultural Center in Los Angeles in 2019. The show traveled across the country, further cementing his legacy as a pioneering figure in the "Black is Beautiful" movement.
Despite declining health, Brathwaite continued to create and inspire until his passing earlier this year. His final commissions included work for The New Yorker and an exhibition at the Art Institute of Chicago, which will run through July 24.
Kwame Brathwaite's life and work serve as a powerful testament to the enduring power of art to challenge, celebrate, and transform our world. His legacy will continue to inspire new generations of artists, activists, and cultural leaders, ensuring that his vision of "Black is Beautiful" remains an integral part of our collective cultural heritage.
just hearing about Kwame Brathwaite's passing is giving me major feels 
he was a total trailblazer in the photography world, and his influence can still be felt today 
his 'Black is Beautiful' movement was way ahead of its time, and it's so cool to see how his work has inspired new gen artists & activists 
the way he used photography to challenge Eurocentric beauty standards and celebrate African American culture is really something special 
i'm not surprised his work is experiencing a resurgence in interest - his legacy is totally timeless 
he was like a true icon n photographer 
his work still inspires me 2 this day 4 celebrating black culture & beauty its wild how his legacy continues 2 grow even w/ out him 
btw u gotta check out his collab w/ The New Yorker online 
[www.newyorker.com](http://www.newyorker.com)
he used light in such a way that made black skin look so beautiful and powerful 
it's crazy to think about how much his work influenced the world and inspired people like us today 
i mean, have you seen his photos of miles davis and john coltrane? they're iconic 