Renowned photographer and activist Kwame Brathwaite, a key figure in the "Black is Beautiful" movement of the 1960s and beyond, has passed away at the age of 85. His remarkable body of work continues to captivate audiences worldwide.
Born in Brooklyn to Barbadian immigrants in 1938, Brathwaite's fascination with photography began at an early age. Two pivotal moments shaped his interest: witnessing David Jackson's haunting image of Emmett Till in open casket in 1955 and observing a photographer capturing jazz performances without flash in a Harlem club in 1956. These experiences ignited his passion for the medium.
Brathwaite's work not only documented jazz legends like Miles Davis, John Coltrane, and Thelonious Monk but also challenged Eurocentric beauty standards by showcasing Black models, including his future wife Sikolo, in their natural state. His Grandassa Models project, launched with AJASS (African Jazz Arts Society and Studios) in 1962, celebrated Black women's features through photographs that were anything but conventional.
Throughout the decades, Brathwaite continued to explore and refine his photography style, often focusing on the intersection of art, culture, and social justice. Commissions for notable artists like Nina Simone, Stevie Wonder, and Bob Marley further cemented his reputation as a visionary photographer.
In recent years, Brathwaite's work has garnered renewed attention from curators, historians, and collectors alike. His first major institutional retrospective at the Skirball Cultural Center in Los Angeles marked a significant milestone in his career, with exhibitions touring across the country.
Despite struggling with declining health, Brathwaite remained dedicated to his craft until the end of his life. A testament to his enduring legacy is the ongoing exhibition "Kwame Brathwaite: Things Well Worth Waiting For" at the Art Institute of Chicago, where it will remain on view until July 24.
As a photographer and activist, Kwame Brathwaite's work continues to inspire a new generation of artists and admirers alike. His unyielding commitment to celebrating Black beauty and culture has left an indelible mark on the world of art and beyond.
Born in Brooklyn to Barbadian immigrants in 1938, Brathwaite's fascination with photography began at an early age. Two pivotal moments shaped his interest: witnessing David Jackson's haunting image of Emmett Till in open casket in 1955 and observing a photographer capturing jazz performances without flash in a Harlem club in 1956. These experiences ignited his passion for the medium.
Brathwaite's work not only documented jazz legends like Miles Davis, John Coltrane, and Thelonious Monk but also challenged Eurocentric beauty standards by showcasing Black models, including his future wife Sikolo, in their natural state. His Grandassa Models project, launched with AJASS (African Jazz Arts Society and Studios) in 1962, celebrated Black women's features through photographs that were anything but conventional.
Throughout the decades, Brathwaite continued to explore and refine his photography style, often focusing on the intersection of art, culture, and social justice. Commissions for notable artists like Nina Simone, Stevie Wonder, and Bob Marley further cemented his reputation as a visionary photographer.
In recent years, Brathwaite's work has garnered renewed attention from curators, historians, and collectors alike. His first major institutional retrospective at the Skirball Cultural Center in Los Angeles marked a significant milestone in his career, with exhibitions touring across the country.
Despite struggling with declining health, Brathwaite remained dedicated to his craft until the end of his life. A testament to his enduring legacy is the ongoing exhibition "Kwame Brathwaite: Things Well Worth Waiting For" at the Art Institute of Chicago, where it will remain on view until July 24.
As a photographer and activist, Kwame Brathwaite's work continues to inspire a new generation of artists and admirers alike. His unyielding commitment to celebrating Black beauty and culture has left an indelible mark on the world of art and beyond.
it's crazy that Kwame Brathwaite's work is still getting so much love even though he passed away... his legacy as a photographer and activist is truly inspiring 
especially how he challenged those Eurocentric beauty standards back in the 60s, it was like he paved the way for us to see black people in all their natural glory 
He left us way too soon, but his pics will keep livin' forever 
Still can't get over how underrated he was for that long 
, what a legendary figure in the photography world! His work is like a time capsule, capturing the essence of Black culture and beauty during the 60s and beyond. I mean, can you imagine witnessing those pivotal moments that sparked his interest in photography? The image of Emmett Till's open casket must have left a deep impact on him 
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. His commitment to art, culture, and social justice is something we could all learn from. I'm so grateful for the exhibitions like "Kwame Brathwaite: Things Well Worth Waiting For" at the Art Institute of Chicago which are helping to keep his spirit alive. It's a testament to his enduring impact on the world of art 
I feel like we lost something special when he passed away at 85. His legacy is still living on and it's amazing to see how his work continues to inspire people today. 
Kwame Brathwaite was like a legend in my eyes he had this incredible ability to capture the beauty in blackness, you know? it's not just about his photography skills, it's about the message he conveyed through his work. he showed us that black people are beautiful just as they are, no need for filters or makeup 
. I don’t know what the future holds but I hope his legacy lives on and inspires more people to appreciate our diversity 
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still his legacy lives on, inspiring people around the world with his amazing work 
it's not just about photography, but also about spreading love and acceptance 
Can't wait to see what this new exhibit at Art Institute of Chicago is all about - gotta go check it out ASAP!!! 