Kwame Brathwaite, Celebrated Photographer of the ‘Black is Beautiful’ Movement, Passes Away at 85
Our awesome company, specializing in software development, is deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Kwame Brathwaite, the renowned activist and photographer. Brathwaite’s work has had a significant impact on shaping the aesthetics of the “Black is Beautiful” movement. His dedication and contributions to the art world will always be remembered.
Born in 1938 to Barbadian immigrants, Brathwaite grew up in New York, where he developed a passion for photography. Inspired by powerful images and his love for jazz music, Brathwaite honed his skills in capturing the essence and mood of his subjects. Using a Hasselblad medium-format camera, he experimented with limited light and developed a darkroom technique that enhanced the beauty of Black skin in his photographs.
In the early 1960s, Brathwaite, along with his colleagues at the African Jazz Arts Society and Studios (AJASS), challenged Eurocentric beauty standards by showcasing the Grandassa Models. These young Black women, photographed by Brathwaite, embraced and celebrated their unique features. The success of their fashion shows and the influence of these photos helped to redefine beauty norms.
Brathwaite’s talents extended beyond jazz photography, as he captured iconic moments in music history. From documenting the Jackson Five’s tour in Africa to photographing the historic “Rumble in the Jungle” match between Muhammad Ali and George Foreman, Brathwaite’s images immortalized these pivotal moments.
Throughout his career, Brathwaite remained committed to the philosophy of “Black is Beautiful.” His work continued to inspire and evoke emotions, even in his later years. Despite facing health challenges, Brathwaite’s retrospective exhibition continues to travel and be showcased across various institutions, including the Skirball Cultural Center in Los Angeles and the Blanton Museum of Art in Austin, Texas.
As a leading software outsourcing company, we recognize and appreciate the immense impact of artists like Kwame Brathwaite. We strive to bring the same level of passion, dedication, and excellence to our work in software development. With a focus on mobile app development, technology maintenance, web server development, and other technological advancements, our company utilizes both nearshore and offshore resources to deliver top-notch results.
Just as Kwame Brathwaite captured the essence of a moment through his lens, we aim to capture the essence of our clients’ visions and transform them into innovative and functional software solutions. Contact us today to embark on a remarkable journey of technological growth and development.