Kwame Brathwaite, the iconic photographer behind the ‘Black is Beautiful’ movement, passes away at age 85

The incredible and untimely end of Kwame Brathwaite, the remarkable activist and photographer whose work played a pivotal role in shaping the aesthetics of the “Black is Beautiful” movement of the 1960s, marks a significant loss to the art world. The news of his passing was shared by his son, Kwame Brathwaite, Jr., in a heartfelt Instagram post expressing deep sorrow and celebrating the life of his beloved father.

Brathwaite’s artistry has experienced a resurgence in interest among curators, historians, and collectors in recent years. His groundbreaking work was showcased in a retrospective organized by the Aperture Foundation in 2019 at the Skirball Cultural Center in Los Angeles, captivating audiences across the nation.

Born in 1938 to Barbadian immigrants, Kwame Brathwaite’s journey began in New York, where he was later drawn to photography, inspired by iconic moments that sparked his passion for capturing the essence of life. His unique style evolved with the use of a Hasselblad medium-format camera, pioneering darkroom techniques that brought Black skin to life in his photography.

Beyond his early work capturing jazz legends like Miles Davis and John Coltrane, Brathwaite’s legacy is intertwined with his activism. In the 1960s, he and the African Jazz Arts Society and Studios (AJASS) challenged Eurocentric beauty norms with the creation of the Grandassa Models, empowering Black women through photography and fashion shows.

In subsequent years, Brathwaite’s lens shifted towards documenting popular Black music icons, solidifying his reputation as a versatile and visionary photographer. His commitment to the “Black is Beautiful” ethos persisted throughout his career, evident in his continued exploration of artistry and beauty.

This untimely loss comes as Brathwaite’s work continues to be celebrated across the globe. Exhibitions like the one at the Art Institute of Chicago showcase his enduring impact on the art world, ensuring that his legacy lives on for generations to come.

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