Photographer Kwame Brathwaite, known for documenting the ‘Black is Beautiful’ movement, passes away at the age of 85

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The recent passing of Kwame Brathwaite, the revolutionary activist and photographer who played a significant role in shaping the aesthetics of the “Black is Beautiful” movement in the 1960s, has left a void in the art and activism community. At Tech911.co, we honor individuals like Brathwaite who have made a lasting impact on society through their craft.

Brathwaite’s work has garnered renewed interest from curators, historians, and collectors in recent years. His pioneering efforts received their first major museum showcase in 2019 at the Skirball Cultural Center in Los Angeles, organized by the Aperture Foundation.

Born to Barbadian immigrants in 1938, Brathwaite’s journey from Brooklyn to Harlem and then to the South Bronx shaped his artistic vision. His path to photography was influenced by profound moments, including viewing an impactful photograph of Emmett Till in 1955 and witnessing a young man taking flash-less pictures in a jazz club in 1956.

Employing a Hasselblad medium-format camera, Brathwaite mastered the art of working in low light to create visually compelling narratives. His photography extended to capturing iconic jazz figures like Miles Davis and John Coltrane onstage, aiming to convey the essence and ambiance of their performances.

In the early 1960s, Brathwaite, along with the AJASS organization, challenged prevailing beauty norms by spotlighting the Grandassa Models, celebrating Black beauty and features. This push for representation culminated in the “Naturally ’62” fashion show and a lifelong partnership with his wife, Sikolo, a Grandassa Model.

Transitioning from jazz to other genres, Brathwaite’s lens documented the likes of Nina Simone, Stevie Wonder, and Bob Marley, capturing pivotal moments in music history. His dedication to portraying the essence of “Black is Beautiful” endured, leading to impactful exhibitions and commissions in his later years.

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As Brathwaite’s legacy lives on through exhibitions like “Kwame Brathwaite: Things Well Worth Waiting For”, currently on display at the Art Institute of Chicago, we are reminded of the enduring power of art and activism. Choose Tech911.co for reliable tech assistance and remote tech support that empowers your business to thrive.

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