“Black Is Beautiful: The Photography of Kwame Brathwaite,” the first exhibition to focus on Braithwaite –– a highly influential and until now under-recognized artist –– is on view at the Skirball Cultural Center through September 1.

Through more than 40 images the show, organized by Aperture Foundation, illuminates how in the late 1950s and 1960s, Brathwaite (b. 1938) used his art to popularize the Black is Beautiful cultural movement. Inspired by the writings of Marcus Garvey, Brathwaite harnessed the power of art, music, and fashion to effect social change. Along with his brother Elombe Brath (1936–2014), he founded two organizations that were instrumental in realizing his vision: the African Jazz-Art Society & Studios (AJASS), a collective of artists, playwrights, designers, and dancers; and Grandassa Models, a modeling group for black women. 

“During an era when segregation prevailed across the United States, Brathwaite’s body of work is remarkable for challenging mainstream beauty standards that excluded people of color” states the Skirball Culture Center in the press release. “His photographs of African American women and men with natural hair and clothes that reclaimed and honored their African roots instilled a sense of pride throughout the community.” 

In addition to Brathwaite’s photographs, several garments worn at fashion shows organized by Braithwaite in the 60s will be exhibited, as well as a selection of ephemeral materials. Brathwaite’s son, Kwame S. Brathwaite, who co-curated the exhibition, remarked, “My father preserved the legacy of the ‘Black Is Beautiful’ movement, which is not merely a slogan, but a template for the way that art and activism can propel us toward equity and inclusion.”

“Black Is Beautiful: The Photography of Kwame Brathwaite”
Skirball Cultural Center
Through September 1, 2019