Brathwaite, the iconic activist and photographer known for shaping the aesthetics of the “Black is Beautiful” movement, passed away on April 1 at the age of 85. His remarkable work has sparked a renewed interest from art enthusiasts and historians, culminating in a major retrospective organized by the Aperture Foundation in 2019.
Born to Barbadian immigrants in Brooklyn in 1938, Brathwaite’s journey into photography was inspired by poignant moments like witnessing Emmett Till’s photograph and experiencing the ambiance of a jazz club capturing images without flash. Armed with a Hasselblad medium-format camera, Brathwaite mastered the art of working with limited light to create visually compelling narratives. His photography of jazz legends like Miles Davis and John Coltrane captured the essence of their performances with remarkable depth.
In the early 1960s, Brathwaite, alongside the AJASS organization, challenged conventional beauty standards with the Grandassa Models, celebrating the unique features of Black women. By marrying one of his model subjects and continuing to photograph esteemed musicians like Nina Simone and Bob Marley, Brathwaite left an indelible mark on the music industry.
Continuously evolving his photography style, Brathwaite’s work remained rooted in the “Black is Beautiful” ethos. Despite his declining health, his artistry and influence persisted, with a recent exhibition at the Art Institute of Chicago showcasing his enduring legacy.
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