Pioneering Photographer of 'Black is Beautiful' Movement Passes Away at 85
Kwame Brathwaite, the iconic photographer behind the "Black is Beautiful" movement of the 1960s and beyond, has left an indelible mark on the world of art and culture. The 85-year-old activist and photographer passed away on April 1, leaving a legacy that continues to inspire generations.
Born in 1938 to Barbadian immigrants in New York, Brathwaite's life was forever changed when he encountered David Jackson's haunting photograph of Emmett Till's open casket at the age of 17. This pivotal moment sparked his passion for photography and set him on a path that would redefine the aesthetics of Black beauty.
Brathwaite's work with the African Jazz Arts Society and Studios (AJASS) in the early 1960s was instrumental in pushing back against whitewashed, Eurocentric beauty standards. The group's concept of the Grandassa Models, young Black women who celebrated their natural features through photography, became a defining force in the movement.
Through his lens, Brathwaite captured the essence of jazz legends such as Miles Davis, John Coltrane, and Thelonious Monk, as well as music icons like Nina Simone, Stevie Wonder, and Bob Marley. His photographs not only documented these moments but also conveyed a sense of pride and self-love that resonated deeply with Black audiences.
The photographer's focus on jazz shifted to other forms of popular Black music in the 1970s, including the Jackson Five's tour to Africa and the historic "Rumble in the Jungle" boxing match. His commissions continued well into the decades, with notable shoots for The New Yorker and artist Joanne Petit-Frère.
Despite his passing, Brathwaite's legacy lives on through his work, which has been celebrated in exhibitions at institutions such as the Aperture Foundation, Skirball Cultural Center, and the Blanton Museum of Art. A retrospective showcasing his life's work is currently on view at the Art Institute of Chicago until July 24.
Through his art and activism, Brathwaite helped redefine the narrative of Black beauty, empowering generations to celebrate their unique features and self-love. His impact on the world of photography and culture will continue to be felt for years to come.
Kwame Brathwaite, the iconic photographer behind the "Black is Beautiful" movement of the 1960s and beyond, has left an indelible mark on the world of art and culture. The 85-year-old activist and photographer passed away on April 1, leaving a legacy that continues to inspire generations.
Born in 1938 to Barbadian immigrants in New York, Brathwaite's life was forever changed when he encountered David Jackson's haunting photograph of Emmett Till's open casket at the age of 17. This pivotal moment sparked his passion for photography and set him on a path that would redefine the aesthetics of Black beauty.
Brathwaite's work with the African Jazz Arts Society and Studios (AJASS) in the early 1960s was instrumental in pushing back against whitewashed, Eurocentric beauty standards. The group's concept of the Grandassa Models, young Black women who celebrated their natural features through photography, became a defining force in the movement.
Through his lens, Brathwaite captured the essence of jazz legends such as Miles Davis, John Coltrane, and Thelonious Monk, as well as music icons like Nina Simone, Stevie Wonder, and Bob Marley. His photographs not only documented these moments but also conveyed a sense of pride and self-love that resonated deeply with Black audiences.
The photographer's focus on jazz shifted to other forms of popular Black music in the 1970s, including the Jackson Five's tour to Africa and the historic "Rumble in the Jungle" boxing match. His commissions continued well into the decades, with notable shoots for The New Yorker and artist Joanne Petit-Frère.
Despite his passing, Brathwaite's legacy lives on through his work, which has been celebrated in exhibitions at institutions such as the Aperture Foundation, Skirball Cultural Center, and the Blanton Museum of Art. A retrospective showcasing his life's work is currently on view at the Art Institute of Chicago until July 24.
Through his art and activism, Brathwaite helped redefine the narrative of Black beauty, empowering generations to celebrate their unique features and self-love. His impact on the world of photography and culture will continue to be felt for years to come.
he was a total pioneer in showcasing black beauty and culture through his photography, it's wild to think he started doing that when he was just 17 lol imagine the impact he had on people's perception of themselves and their own features 
anyway, it's crazy how much of a legacy he left behind, from documenting jazz legends to working with the grandassa models 
i'm sure his work will continue to inspire and empower new generations 
the way he used photography to show black people's natural beauty was so ahead of its time, I mean who else could make us see ourselves in a different light? 
and can we talk about how he worked with jazz legends like miles davis & john coltrane? that's some iconic stuff right there 
anyways, it's amazing to see his work still being showcased in exhibitions around the world, it just goes to show that his message of self-love & acceptance is still very much needed today 
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just heard about Kwame Brathwaite passing away at 85... what a legend! 
I mean, can you imagine growing up in the 60s and witnessing the Black is Beautiful movement take shape? His photos are still giving me chills - that sense of pride and self-love he captured through his lens is so inspiring 
. I'm definitely checking out this retrospective at the Art Institute of Chicago - any photography buff would be crazy not to!