Kwame Brathwaite, a pioneering photographer and activist who played a pivotal role in defining the aesthetics of the 'Black is Beautiful' movement, has passed away at the age of 85. Born in 1938 to Barbadian immigrants in what he referred to as "the People's Republic of Brooklyn," Brathwaite was drawn to photography by two profound moments – witnessing a haunting image of Emmett Till in his open casket and seeing a young man taking photos without flash in a dark jazz club.
Through his work, Brathwaite sought to capture the essence of the Black experience. He worked with limited light, developing a unique technique that enriched the visual narrative of his imagery. His photography also explored the intersectionality of identity, culture, and music, often focusing on the African American community's relationship with jazz and popular music.
One of Brathwaite's most enduring contributions to the world of art is his concept of the "Grandassa Models." Alongside his brother Elombe, he co-founded the African Jazz Arts Society and Studios (AJASS) in 1956. The group used photography as a tool for social commentary, celebrating Black beauty and challenging Eurocentric standards. Brathwaite's photographs of these models have become iconic representations of the 'Black is Beautiful' movement.
Throughout his career, Brathwaite worked with prominent figures such as Miles Davis, John Coltrane, Thelonious Monk, Nina Simone, Stevie Wonder, Sly and the Family Stone, Bob Marley, and Muhammad Ali. His photographs were exhibited in various institutions, including the Skirball Cultural Center in Los Angeles and the Blanton Museum of Art in Austin, Texas.
Despite struggling with his health, Brathwaite continued to photograph commissions until 2018, most recently shooting artist and stylist Joanne Petit-Frère for The New Yorker. His work has been celebrated by publications such as T Magazine and Vice, which have profiled him on multiple occasions.
A retrospective of Brathwaite's work is currently on view at the Art Institute of Chicago, where it will remain until July 24. His legacy serves as a testament to his enduring impact on the world of art and culture.
Through his work, Brathwaite sought to capture the essence of the Black experience. He worked with limited light, developing a unique technique that enriched the visual narrative of his imagery. His photography also explored the intersectionality of identity, culture, and music, often focusing on the African American community's relationship with jazz and popular music.
One of Brathwaite's most enduring contributions to the world of art is his concept of the "Grandassa Models." Alongside his brother Elombe, he co-founded the African Jazz Arts Society and Studios (AJASS) in 1956. The group used photography as a tool for social commentary, celebrating Black beauty and challenging Eurocentric standards. Brathwaite's photographs of these models have become iconic representations of the 'Black is Beautiful' movement.
Throughout his career, Brathwaite worked with prominent figures such as Miles Davis, John Coltrane, Thelonious Monk, Nina Simone, Stevie Wonder, Sly and the Family Stone, Bob Marley, and Muhammad Ali. His photographs were exhibited in various institutions, including the Skirball Cultural Center in Los Angeles and the Blanton Museum of Art in Austin, Texas.
Despite struggling with his health, Brathwaite continued to photograph commissions until 2018, most recently shooting artist and stylist Joanne Petit-Frère for The New Yorker. His work has been celebrated by publications such as T Magazine and Vice, which have profiled him on multiple occasions.
A retrospective of Brathwaite's work is currently on view at the Art Institute of Chicago, where it will remain until July 24. His legacy serves as a testament to his enduring impact on the world of art and culture.
Kwame Brathwaite was basically a visual icon of the Black experience and now he's gone 
, leaving behind an impressive 85-year career that spanned multiple decades and numerous iconic images... did you know his photography technique often used "limited light" to capture powerful narratives? 
The dude was also all about celebrating Black beauty & challenging Eurocentric standards 
. His work has been exhibited in major institutions like the Skirball Cultural Center and Blanton Museum of Art, and he's had profiles in top publications like T Magazine and Vice 
. Did you know his concept of "Grandassa Models" is still influencing art & culture today? 
he was really instrumental in defining the 'black is beautiful' movement with his photography, you know? i mean, who can forget those grandassa models 
anyway, it's wild to think that this retrospective is happening at the art institute of chicago right now 
gotta get myself down there ASAP!
just read about Kwame Brathwaite passing away at 85, can't believe he's no longer with us! 
He was such an influential photographer & activist, created some amazing work showcasing the beauty of Black people 
did you know his concept of "Grandassa Models" has been a huge inspiration for many artists? 
his photography explored intersectionality so much, really highlights how important representation is in media 
stats: Kwame Brathwaite was born in 1938, which makes him from the 'baby boomer' generation 
he's worked with over 100 artists during his career 
let's celebrate his life & legacy by appreciating the amazing work he left behind 
just learned about Kwame Brathwaite passing away, what a loss for our community & art world 
he was a true pioneer in capturing the essence of Black experience through photography, challenging Eurocentric standards & celebrating Black beauty 
his work continues to inspire me, especially with his concept of "Grandassa Models" which I think is so powerful in promoting self-love & acceptance 
it's crazy to think he worked with legends like Miles Davis & Muhammad Ali 
. He captured the soul of Black America through his lens and gave us beauty to fight for 
. His work is still making waves today and will be remembered for generations to come 
his concept of the grandassa models is still so relevant today, celebrating black beauty and challenging those eurocentric standards is something we need more of 
his collab with miles davis and other legends is a huge inspiration to me 
i remember reading about him in t magazine and vice and just being blown away by his story and work 
in photography and activism he captured some incredible moments through his lens and showed us that beauty is not just skin deep but also about the soul 
I remember seeing those grandassa models photos for the first time and being blown away by how powerful they were - it's crazy to think he was doing this stuff back in the 50s and 60s when black people weren't always represented in a positive light 
kwame brathwaite was like a legend in my eyes, i mean have you seen those grandassa models pics? they're so iconic and beautiful 
i'm glad his legacy lives on through that retrospective at the art institute of chicago, it's a must-see for anyone interested in art and culture 
... but what an incredible life he lived! 
I mean, can you even imagine being 85 and still rocking out with icons like Miles Davis and Stevie Wonder? 
It's a testament to his passion and dedication to capturing the beauty of Black culture. The "Black is Beautiful" movement was more than just a trend – it was a movement that changed the game for artists and activists alike 
. His legacy will live on through the countless artists he worked with & the iconic images he left behind 
, and he went on to become this super influential voice for the African American community. His work is like a time capsule 
, showing us what life was like back in the day, but also still speaking to our experiences today.
. He worked with some amazing artists, too... Miles Davis, John Coltrane, Stevie Wonder... it's like a who's who of jazz legends 
.
his legacy is still going strong with this retrospective at the art institute of chicago i hope people get to see it and experience his work for themselves
and his work on the 'Black is Beautiful' movement was so ahead of its time. I love how he celebrated Black beauty and culture, it's something we need more of today