Kwame Brathwaite, Renowned Photographer Behind the 'Black is Beautiful' Movement, Dies at 85
Kwame Brathwaite, a pioneering activist and photographer whose work defined the aesthetics of the "Black is Beautiful" movement, has passed away at the age of 85. Born in 1938 to Barbadian immigrants in New York, Brathwaite's life was marked by a passion for photography that would go on to shape the way Black people perceived themselves.
Brathwaite's journey into photography began in 1955 when he encountered David Jackson's haunting photograph of Emmett Till in his open casket. This experience sparked an interest in photography and led him to co-found the African Jazz Arts Society and Studios (AJASS) with his brother Elombe. It was during this time that Brathwaite discovered the power of photography as a means of challenging Eurocentric beauty standards.
Through his work, Brathwaite aimed to capture the essence of Black culture, particularly in the realm of jazz. His photographs of legendary musicians such as Miles Davis, John Coltrane, and Thelonious Monk are now sought after by collectors and institutions alike. In addition to his work in jazz, Brathwaite also explored other forms of popular Black music, documenting the Jackson Five's tour in Africa in 1974 and photographing iconic figures like Nina Simone and Stevie Wonder.
One of Brathwaite's most enduring legacies is the "Black is Beautiful" movement, which he helped to define through his photography. This movement celebrated the beauty and uniqueness of Black people, challenging the dominant Eurocentric standards that had long been imposed on them. Through his work, Brathwaite aimed to capture the essence of Black culture and challenge the status quo.
Brathwaite's impact extends beyond his own work. He inspired a generation of photographers and artists who sought to amplify Black voices and perspectives. His legacy continues to be felt today, with exhibitions like "Kwame Brathwaite: Things Well Worth Waiting For" currently on view at the Art Institute of Chicago.
Despite his passing, Brathwaite's photographs remain a testament to the power of art to challenge and transform our perceptions. Through his work, he left an indelible mark on the world of photography and beyond.
Kwame Brathwaite, a pioneering activist and photographer whose work defined the aesthetics of the "Black is Beautiful" movement, has passed away at the age of 85. Born in 1938 to Barbadian immigrants in New York, Brathwaite's life was marked by a passion for photography that would go on to shape the way Black people perceived themselves.
Brathwaite's journey into photography began in 1955 when he encountered David Jackson's haunting photograph of Emmett Till in his open casket. This experience sparked an interest in photography and led him to co-found the African Jazz Arts Society and Studios (AJASS) with his brother Elombe. It was during this time that Brathwaite discovered the power of photography as a means of challenging Eurocentric beauty standards.
Through his work, Brathwaite aimed to capture the essence of Black culture, particularly in the realm of jazz. His photographs of legendary musicians such as Miles Davis, John Coltrane, and Thelonious Monk are now sought after by collectors and institutions alike. In addition to his work in jazz, Brathwaite also explored other forms of popular Black music, documenting the Jackson Five's tour in Africa in 1974 and photographing iconic figures like Nina Simone and Stevie Wonder.
One of Brathwaite's most enduring legacies is the "Black is Beautiful" movement, which he helped to define through his photography. This movement celebrated the beauty and uniqueness of Black people, challenging the dominant Eurocentric standards that had long been imposed on them. Through his work, Brathwaite aimed to capture the essence of Black culture and challenge the status quo.
Brathwaite's impact extends beyond his own work. He inspired a generation of photographers and artists who sought to amplify Black voices and perspectives. His legacy continues to be felt today, with exhibitions like "Kwame Brathwaite: Things Well Worth Waiting For" currently on view at the Art Institute of Chicago.
Despite his passing, Brathwaite's photographs remain a testament to the power of art to challenge and transform our perceptions. Through his work, he left an indelible mark on the world of photography and beyond.
kwame brathwaite was like a legend in the photography world, you know? i remember my grandma used to show me these old pictures of him from back in the day, he was all about celebrating black culture and beauty 
. it's crazy to think about how far that movement has come but at the same time, it's sad that we're still dealing with those same Eurocentric standards today 
. anyway, his legacy lives on through his work and all the artists he inspired, i'm definitely gonna have to check out that exhibit in chicago 
.
I'm not sure why Kwame Brathwaite gets such a glowing tribute considering some of his associations with the "Black is Beautiful" movement 
. While I get what he was trying to do, it feels like his work was also used to romanticize Black culture and exoticize it for white audiences 
. I'd love to see more critical analysis of his legacy and how it intersects with issues of colonialism and power dynamics 
. Where are the sources on this? How did we get to the point where someone's photography is considered a "movement" without scrutiny? 
just heard about kwame brathwaite passing away at 85... what a legend 
! his work is like a time capsule for black culture in america 
brathwaite's legacy is like a testament to the power of art and photography to bring people together and celebrate our differences 
. As someone who grew up admiring his photographs, I can attest to the sense of pride and ownership that they evoke - a sense of "us" being seen and celebrated in all our complexity 
. It's heartbreaking to think of a world without his vibrant images, but grateful for the legacy he leaves behind, inspiring future generations to continue telling their own stories 
... so saddened by the loss of a legend like him... 85 years young is no joke! 
i mean who wouldn't want to live that long with such a passion for photography? his legacy lives on through his work though, and i'm sure it'll continue to inspire new generations of photographers & artists. btw have you guys checked out the art institute of chicago's latest exhibit on him? 
, cant believe its 85 yrs young gone 
. his work was so ahead of its time, the black is beautiful movement still resonates today 
. gotta respect a man who used his lens to challenge the status quo & celebrate black culture 
. I mean, can you even imagine a time when people thought dark skin wasn't beautiful? It's crazy that someone like him came along and showed everyone else that Black is indeed beautiful 
. His legacy lives on through his incredible photography, which still inspires artists and collectors today 
.