Black Is Beautiful: The Photography of Kwame Brathwaite
Tevin Stinson, The Winston Salem Chronicle, February 10, 2022
The Reynolda House Museum of American Art is showcasing “Black is Beautiful: The Photography of Kwame Brathwaite” until May 5, highlighting the influential work of Brathwaite during the second Harlem Renaissance. Against the backdrop of the civil rights movement, Brathwaite used his photography to champion social change, drawing inspiration from Marcus Garvey and popularizing the enduring phrase “Black is Beautiful.” His legacy includes founding the African Jazz Art Society and Studios (AJASS) and the Grandassa Models, both pivotal in promoting Black culture and challenging prevailing beauty standards. The exhibit, organized by Aperture Foundation, features over 40 iconic photographs, garments, and ephemera that celebrate African heritage and Brathwaite's impact on cultural identity. Curator Allison Slaby and local artist Owens Daniels emphasize the importance and liberation found in Brathwaite's work. Discover how his images continue to resonate today by visiting the exhibit.