Renowned photographer and activist Kwame Brathwaite has left behind a legacy of beauty and self-expression, as the world mourns his passing at the age of 85. Brathwaite's work with the "Black is Beautiful" movement, which aimed to redefine traditional notions of beauty for Black people, continues to inspire artists, curators, and historians alike.
Born in Brooklyn in 1938, Brathwaite was raised by Barbadian immigrants who later moved to Harlem and then the South Bronx. His introduction to photography at a young age would prove pivotal, with moments such as encountering David Jackson's haunting photograph of Emmett Till's open casket in 1955 and witnessing another photographer taking photos without flash in a jazz club setting in 1956 igniting his passion for the art form.
As Brathwaite honed his craft using a Hasselblad medium-format camera, he developed a unique darkroom technique that enhanced the visual narrative of his work. He went on to photograph some of the most iconic figures of Black music, including Miles Davis, John Coltrane, Thelonious Monk, and Bob Marley.
Through his Grandassa Models series, Brathwaite celebrated and accentuated the features of young Black women, pushing back against whitewashed beauty standards in the 1960s. His photography also captured the essence of jazz legends performing throughout the 1950s and '60s. By capturing the mood, atmosphere, and energy of these performances, Brathwaite conveyed a sense of community and celebration.
In addition to his work with AJASS and the Grandassa Models, Brathwaite traveled extensively throughout Africa, photographing music legends such as the Jackson Five, Nina Simone, Stevie Wonder, and Sly and the Family Stone. His 2016 collaboration with Philip Martin Gallery in Los Angeles continued his commitment to exploring diverse forms of Black expression.
Brathwaite's influence can be seen in numerous exhibitions across the country, including a retrospective traveling to the Blanton Museum of Art in Austin, Texas, which took place despite his struggling health. The ongoing "Kwame Brathwaite: Things Well Worth Waiting For" exhibition at the Art Institute of Chicago is a testament to his enduring legacy.
With his passing, the world has lost a creative force and an unyielding advocate for Black beauty and self-expression. As we remember Brathwaite's remarkable life, his photographs continue to inspire us to celebrate our individuality and community.
Born in Brooklyn in 1938, Brathwaite was raised by Barbadian immigrants who later moved to Harlem and then the South Bronx. His introduction to photography at a young age would prove pivotal, with moments such as encountering David Jackson's haunting photograph of Emmett Till's open casket in 1955 and witnessing another photographer taking photos without flash in a jazz club setting in 1956 igniting his passion for the art form.
As Brathwaite honed his craft using a Hasselblad medium-format camera, he developed a unique darkroom technique that enhanced the visual narrative of his work. He went on to photograph some of the most iconic figures of Black music, including Miles Davis, John Coltrane, Thelonious Monk, and Bob Marley.
Through his Grandassa Models series, Brathwaite celebrated and accentuated the features of young Black women, pushing back against whitewashed beauty standards in the 1960s. His photography also captured the essence of jazz legends performing throughout the 1950s and '60s. By capturing the mood, atmosphere, and energy of these performances, Brathwaite conveyed a sense of community and celebration.
In addition to his work with AJASS and the Grandassa Models, Brathwaite traveled extensively throughout Africa, photographing music legends such as the Jackson Five, Nina Simone, Stevie Wonder, and Sly and the Family Stone. His 2016 collaboration with Philip Martin Gallery in Los Angeles continued his commitment to exploring diverse forms of Black expression.
Brathwaite's influence can be seen in numerous exhibitions across the country, including a retrospective traveling to the Blanton Museum of Art in Austin, Texas, which took place despite his struggling health. The ongoing "Kwame Brathwaite: Things Well Worth Waiting For" exhibition at the Art Institute of Chicago is a testament to his enduring legacy.
With his passing, the world has lost a creative force and an unyielding advocate for Black beauty and self-expression. As we remember Brathwaite's remarkable life, his photographs continue to inspire us to celebrate our individuality and community.
He was such an important figure in the art world and I think he got a bit too much hate for being a rebel and pushing boundaries with his work. I mean, who says beauty has to be one size fits all? His photography was never just about taking pretty pictures, it was about telling a story and celebrating Black culture and identity.
. Kwame Brathwaite was more than just a photographer - he was a movement in himself. His work with the "Black is Beautiful" movement back in the day changed everything for Black people, especially when it came to beauty standards 
. I mean, who else would have had the courage to celebrate young Black women's features in all their glory? 
It's crazy to think about how much he influenced artists and curators to this day, like the exhibitions at the Art Institute of Chicago and Blanton Museum of Art - that's some serious legacy 
. His passion for photography was ignited by seeing those powerful images of Emmett Till in 1955... it just shows how important storytelling is through art 
. We'll miss him, but his work will keep inspiring us to be our authentic selves 
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. His "Black is Beautiful" movement was all about challenging the status quo and pushing back against whitewashed beauty standards. I think that's a super powerful message, especially in today's world where social media can be so curated and superficial. His work with Grandassa Models was especially bold, showcasing young Black women who didn't fit into traditional beauty norms 
. his work is so iconic & influential, especially with the "black is beautiful" movement he was part of 
. i mean, who wouldn't want to celebrate their own uniqueness and individuality through photography? it's crazy to think about how much his work has inspired artists, curators, and historians over the years 
. his legacy will live on through his amazing photos & all the people he's helped shape our understanding of beauty & identity 
passing away at 85... can't believe this world is losing another amazing artist & activist 
it's crazy how his work was all about challenging traditional beauty standards & celebrating black people's identity in the 60s & beyond 
i mean, who else could make photography cool & fun for black people back then? 
his legacy lives on through his incredible photos & exhibitions, especially the grandassa models series... it's giving me chills thinking about how he was already pushing for diversity & representation back in the day 
we need more people like kwame brathwaite inspiring us to be our authentic selves 
I'm in awe of the impact he had on art, culture, and our perception of beauty 
especially with his "Black is Beautiful" movement, it's like he paved the way for so many creatives to express themselves authentically 
I'm getting teary-eyed just thinking about how much he contributed to music history through his lens 
his work kept pushing boundaries of what it means to be beautiful and expressive as black people he inspired so many with his grandassa models series and those jazz legends he photographed... it's crazy to think about how much he influenced the art world and beyond 
recently. I mean, have you seen those Milky Way shots that look like they were taken by aliens? Like, I get it, photography is all about the technical stuff, but there's something about capturing the vastness of space that just blows my mind. I'm thinking of taking a trip to Death Valley next month to try and snap some decent star pics. Anyone got any tips for a newbie like me? 
Kwame Brathwaite was like the ultimate artist, you know? He brought a whole new vibe to photography with that "Black is Beautiful" movement 
. The fact that exhibitions are popping up everywhere is a testament to his lasting impact. 
his work with grandassa models and ajass was so ahead of its time, celebrating black women in a way that was never seen before 
anyway, can u believe this dude was born in Brooklyn in 1938 and still managed to make a mark on the world with his "Black is Beautiful" movement? that's like, ancient history for us youngbloods, but it's dope to see someone from back then paving the way for future gen. and his collab with Bob Marley is just crazy, the man was a true legend 
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He was like a true pioneer in the photography world, always pushing boundaries and celebrating Black beauty 
Kwame Brathwaite was definitely a legend in my eyes 
The way he captured the essence of jazz legends performing live was pure magic 
. i swear if i had to scroll through those ancient threads one more time my eyes are gonna pop out