Renowned photographer and activist Kwame Brathwaite, who played a pivotal role in shaping the 'Black is Beautiful' movement of the 1960s, has passed away at the age of 85. His son announced his passing in an Instagram post, describing him as the "patriarch of our family" and his "hero."
Born to Barbadian immigrants in Brooklyn in 1938, Brathwaite's life was forever changed when he encountered a haunting photograph of Emmett Till in 1955. This moment sparked his interest in photography. He co-founded the African Jazz Arts Society and Studios (AJASS) with his brother Elombe and began using photography to challenge Eurocentric beauty standards. In 1962, AJASS organized "Naturally '62," a fashion show featuring models with natural hair, which became an annual event until 1992.
Through his work, Brathwaite aimed to capture the essence of Black culture and identity. He employed a Hasselblad medium-format camera and developed a darkroom technique that enhanced the appearance of Black skin in his photography. His subjects included jazz legends like Miles Davis, John Coltrane, Thelonious Monk, Nina Simone, Stevie Wonder, and Bob Marley.
In 2016, Brathwaite joined Philip Martin Gallery in Los Angeles, continuing to photograph commissions until 2018. A retrospective of his work was held at the Blanton Museum of Art in Austin, Texas, before traveling to other institutions, including the Art Institute of Chicago.
Brathwaite's legacy extends beyond his photography. He played a crucial role in shaping the 'Black is Beautiful' movement, which continues to inspire artists and activists today. His work serves as a testament to the power of art to challenge societal norms and promote self-expression.
Born to Barbadian immigrants in Brooklyn in 1938, Brathwaite's life was forever changed when he encountered a haunting photograph of Emmett Till in 1955. This moment sparked his interest in photography. He co-founded the African Jazz Arts Society and Studios (AJASS) with his brother Elombe and began using photography to challenge Eurocentric beauty standards. In 1962, AJASS organized "Naturally '62," a fashion show featuring models with natural hair, which became an annual event until 1992.
Through his work, Brathwaite aimed to capture the essence of Black culture and identity. He employed a Hasselblad medium-format camera and developed a darkroom technique that enhanced the appearance of Black skin in his photography. His subjects included jazz legends like Miles Davis, John Coltrane, Thelonious Monk, Nina Simone, Stevie Wonder, and Bob Marley.
In 2016, Brathwaite joined Philip Martin Gallery in Los Angeles, continuing to photograph commissions until 2018. A retrospective of his work was held at the Blanton Museum of Art in Austin, Texas, before traveling to other institutions, including the Art Institute of Chicago.
Brathwaite's legacy extends beyond his photography. He played a crucial role in shaping the 'Black is Beautiful' movement, which continues to inspire artists and activists today. His work serves as a testament to the power of art to challenge societal norms and promote self-expression.
just heard about Kwame Brathwaite's passing... what a legend! 
I grew up seeing his photos of jazz legends and thinking they were so iconic... now it makes sense why he was considered a hero by his son 
. His work was more than just photography, it was a movement to redefine beauty standards in the 60s & beyond 
. I wonder if we'll see more people carrying on his legacy with art that celebrates Black culture and identity 
. Did you know he was only 85? That's crazy! Anyway, some stats to give you an idea of his impact: 
naturally '62 was a game changer, it's crazy how much of an impact photography can have, especially when its used 2 challenge societal norms 
. His passing might be sad, but we're left with so much beauty and history to hold onto. Rest in peace, Kwame 
! I mean, can you believe his photography was ahead of its time? He used cameras to change the way we see ourselves and beauty standards 
. The 'Black is Beautiful' movement was so important back in the 60s, and it's still influencing art and culture today 
. His work with AJASS was like a breath of fresh air, challenging Eurocentric norms and giving a platform to Black voices 
. I'm really inspired by his courage and passion 
.
His legacy is a reminder that art can be a powerful tool for change, but it's also a harsh reality check on just how far we've still got to go 
I'm so grateful for his impact on the world. He used his platform to showcase Black beauty, challenging centuries-old norms 
is just mind-blowing. His legacy will live on through the countless people he inspired, including his own son 
. His work with "Naturally '62" back in the 60s was so ahead of its time - who else was showing models rocking their natural hair like that? 
And can we talk about his photography technique? The way he used light and shadows to make black skin look stunning is just genius 
. He's definitely left a mark on the art world, and I'm so grateful for all the beauty and positivity he brought into our lives 
Man what a loss 
Kwame Brathwaite was like a superhero for black people's image & beauty 
anyway, let's celebrate his life & legacy by embracing our natural selves 
. I mean, 85 is old, but still he was so influential in his field and changed the way people think about beauty standards forever 
. But now, I see how much his work meant to everyone... it's like he opened a door for all the Black artists who came after him 
. He might be gone but his legacy lives on 
his legacy is definitely one to live on 
. His legacy lives on, though - we'll keep celebrating Black culture and beauty for years to come 
... genius!
. And honestly, his photography can be super cheesy at times... I don't think he was as groundbreaking as everyone makes him out to be 
.
It's crazy to think how much his work influenced the 'Black is Beautiful' movement and still inspires people today