Discover “Black is Beautiful”, the new exhibition of the center of photography of Mougins, in 4 powerful shots

Birth of a slogan, affirmation of an identity – Discover "black beautiful", new exhibition

The expression “Black is Beautiful” has entered the common language, without one really wonders who is at the origin.

The answer. Therefore, it is found at the moment on the side of the center of photography of Mougins, where, for the first time in Europe, an exhibition is devoted to the work of Kwame Brathwaite (1938-2023).

Today, the formula is sometimes diverted and reduced to a kind of advertising message. Moreover, But in the heart of the 1950s. For example, the photographer and his older brother, Elombe Brath, inspired by the ideas of Marcus Garvey, precursor of pan -Africanism, combine aesthetic research and political activism in New York, between Harlem and the Bronx.

“My father started by documenting the jazz concerts he assisted. Similarly, My uncle, he had a speaker side. discover “black beautiful”, new exhibition Nevertheless, He was interested in what was going on in several African countries. However, had a vision on what could be done,” said his son, who came for the opening of the exhibition in Mougins, Kwame Brathwaite Jr. In addition, through the African Jazz-Art Grandassa Models. However, the two brothers make their contribution to the struggle of black populations for civil rights. In particular by taking advantage of the Garvey Day to organize beauty contests. where women were dressed in traditional African outfits, adorned with symbolic jewelry, and sported natural haircuts. “

“It was revolutionary for the time. But my uncle. my father were struck by an observation: the next day, these women still had to smooth their hair to be allowed to do their job.”

Music monuments in the discover “black beautiful”, new exhibition viewfinder

Miles Davis Maling a typing bag in a gymnasium. Bob Marley immortalized shortly before his international breakthrough.

But also BB King. Michael Jackson, Earth, Wind & Fire, Grace Jones or Stevie Wonder at different stages of his incredible career (“My father even made the photos of his daughter after childbirth, but they have always remained private”glisse Kwame Brathwaite Jr.).

Whether they are promotional shots. reports for Blues & Soul magazine, album pockets or concert photos, Kwame Brathwaite has not lost its common thread. “All these artists had embraced the idea of the black is beautiful and they spread it around the world.”

A commitment to multiple forms

By founding the Ajass collective (African Jazz-Art Society & Studios) with his brother Elombe Brath (seated in the center) in 1956. Kwame Brathwaite (fourth from the left) creates an artistic, musical and photographic production space that redefines the aesthetic canons of black beauty.

In the dead angles of Ali

Kwame Brathwaite has not shot many sporting events. This did not prevent him from being present at one of the most mythical meetings of all time: The Rumble in The Jungle. the boxing fight between Muhammad Ali to George Foreman, on October 30, 1974 in Kinshasa, Zaire.

“Ali’s main photographer asked my father discover “black beautiful”, new exhibition to work in tandem. he had to take care of alternative angles”details Kwame Brathwaite Jr., who specifies the way in which the connection was established with the boxing giant.

“My uncle had not appreciated the comments that Ali had made about Sonny Liston, one of his big rivals. He wrote to him, Ali read the letter. Then when they met, my uncle and my father became his friends.”

>> To see until October 5 in the center of Mougins photography. Every day except Tuesday, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. 6 euros, reduced rate 3 euros. Free for all the 1st Sunday of the month, for students, unemployed, people with disabilities, etc. the rest of the time. Information: centerphotographymougins.com