Kwame Brathwaite, the legendary photographer behind the iconic 'Black is Beautiful' movement, has passed away at the age of 85. The renowned artist and activist's body of work continues to inspire generations with its powerful message of self-love and black identity.
Born in New York in 1938 to Barbadian immigrants, Brathwaite was raised in a multicultural environment that would later influence his photography. He attended the School of Industrial Art (now the High School of Art and Design) and developed an interest in photography at two pivotal moments: upon encountering David Jackson's haunting photograph of Emmett Till's open casket in 1955, and seeing another young photographer capturing images in a dark jazz club without flash in 1956.
These encounters ignited Brathwaite's passion for photography, which he refined using a Hasselblad medium-format camera and honing his darkroom techniques to create stunning portraits of Black subjects. His breakthrough came when he co-founded the African Jazz Arts Society and Studios (AJASS) with his brother Elombe in 1956. The group's concept, "Grandassa Models," celebrated the beauty and individuality of young Black women.
Brathwaite's photographs of these models, such as the iconic image of Sikolo Brathwaite, his wife whom he met on the street in 1965, have become synonymous with black identity and self-love. His work also documented jazz legends like Miles Davis, John Coltrane, Thelonious Monk, and other music icons, capturing their essence and energy through the lens.
As the 'Black is Beautiful' movement gained momentum, Brathwaite's photography took on a new significance. By the 1970s, he had shifted his focus to documenting popular Black music, including Nina Simone, Stevie Wonder, and Bob Marley. His work continued to evolve, as seen in commissions for The New Yorker and exhibitions at prestigious institutions like the Blanton Museum of Art.
Throughout his career, Brathwaite's artistic vision has been guided by a simple yet powerful mantra: capturing the mood, feeling, and essence of his subjects. As he once said, "You want to get the feeling, the mood that you're experiencing when they're playing."
Born in New York in 1938 to Barbadian immigrants, Brathwaite was raised in a multicultural environment that would later influence his photography. He attended the School of Industrial Art (now the High School of Art and Design) and developed an interest in photography at two pivotal moments: upon encountering David Jackson's haunting photograph of Emmett Till's open casket in 1955, and seeing another young photographer capturing images in a dark jazz club without flash in 1956.
These encounters ignited Brathwaite's passion for photography, which he refined using a Hasselblad medium-format camera and honing his darkroom techniques to create stunning portraits of Black subjects. His breakthrough came when he co-founded the African Jazz Arts Society and Studios (AJASS) with his brother Elombe in 1956. The group's concept, "Grandassa Models," celebrated the beauty and individuality of young Black women.
Brathwaite's photographs of these models, such as the iconic image of Sikolo Brathwaite, his wife whom he met on the street in 1965, have become synonymous with black identity and self-love. His work also documented jazz legends like Miles Davis, John Coltrane, Thelonious Monk, and other music icons, capturing their essence and energy through the lens.
As the 'Black is Beautiful' movement gained momentum, Brathwaite's photography took on a new significance. By the 1970s, he had shifted his focus to documenting popular Black music, including Nina Simone, Stevie Wonder, and Bob Marley. His work continued to evolve, as seen in commissions for The New Yorker and exhibitions at prestigious institutions like the Blanton Museum of Art.
Throughout his career, Brathwaite's artistic vision has been guided by a simple yet powerful mantra: capturing the mood, feeling, and essence of his subjects. As he once said, "You want to get the feeling, the mood that you're experiencing when they're playing."
! I mean can u believe how young he started taking pics? 1955 already?! and to think he went on to capture some of the most iconic jazz legends... Miles Davis, John Coltrane... those are some legendary shots right there 
. and that "Grandassa Models" thingy? genius 
. it's amazing how one man can make such a lasting impact with just his camera 
. R.I.P Kwame Brathwaite 
He was so right about capturing the mood and feeling of his subjects through photography. I love how he used that Hasselblad camera to create these stunning portraits of Black people, showcasing their individuality and beauty. It's crazy to think about how much influence his work had on the 'Black is Beautiful' movement. His legacy lives on through all the talented artists and activists he inspired 
. I mean, Kwame Brathwaite's photos were iconic and all, but it's been 60+ years since he started this whole thing...when are we gonna move on? 
And honestly, I don't get the fuss about black people being individualized and celebrated for who they are...doesn't that sound kinda like just being yourself? 
Kwame Brathwaite was an iconic figure in photography 
! He captured so much more than just faces, he showed us our strength, beauty, and individuality 
. I'm gonna miss seeing his stunning portraits of Black subjects, especially those gorgeous models from Grandassa Models 
...
. And the way he worked with young Black women in his "Grandassa Models" project was so ahead of its time. It's amazing to see how his work continues to inspire new generations 
. His work was never just about capturing images, it was a way to tell stories and celebrate the beauty of Black identity 
. He had an incredible eye for detail and a deep understanding of the people he photographed 
. I love how his photography continued to evolve over the years, from jazz legends to popular music icons 
. What's inspiring is that his work still inspires new generations, it just goes to show that his message of self-love and acceptance was always timeless 
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. I mean Kwame Brathwaite was like a master of photography. His work still gives me chills, especially those portraits of Black models back in the day - so confident and beautiful 
just heard about Kwame Brathwaite's passing at 85 
. his work with 'Black is Beautiful' movement was game changing 
what's crazy too is that his passion and vision were so pure... capturing the mood, feeling, and essence of his subjects was like a way to connect with them on a deeper level 
. I mean, Kwame Brathwaite was definitely one of a kind, and his work is still fire 
Game changer for sure. And can we talk about how much I love the story behind "Black is Beautiful"? Like, who wouldn't wanna be part of a movement that celebrates individuality and beauty? 
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His legacy lives on, though, especially with all these young folks discovering his work and celebrating Black beauty. We'll keep his memory alive through his art 
thinkin about Kwame Brathwaite's life, it's like a beautiful timeline of self-love and black identity. I'm reminded of how our perception of beauty can change as we grow older, but for him, it was always about celebratin' the individuality of Black people from the start 
️ he didn't just take pictures, he created this whole aesthetic that spoke to a generation... and now his legacy lives on through all those iconic images of black subject's faces, makin' us see ourselves in a new light