The Skirball Cultural Center Presents Black Is Beautiful: The Photography of Kwame Brathwaite in Los Angeles

Kwame Brathwaite. Sikolo Brathwaite wearing a headpiece designed by Carolee Prince, AJASS, Harlem, 1968. Courtesy of the artist and Philip Martin Gallery, Los Angeles.

Kwame Brathwaite. “Naturally ’68” photo shoot, featuring Grandassa Models and founding members of AJASS. Back row includes: Eleanor Ballard, far left; Sikolo Brathwaite, third from left; Juanita McLean, fourth from left; Zeta Gathers, fifth from left; and Pat (last name unknown), third from right. Front row, left to right: Klytus Smith, Frank Adu, Bob Gumbs, Elombe Brath, and Ernest Baxter. Apollo Theater, Harlem, ca. 1968. Courtesy of the artist and Philip Martin Gallery, Los Angeles.

Kwame Brathwaite. Self-portrait, African Jazz-Art Society & Studios (AJASS), Harlem, ca. 1964. Courtesy of the artist and Philip Martin Gallery, Los Angeles.

Kwame Brathwaite. Grandassa Model on car during Marcus Garvey Day celebration, Harlem, ca. 1968.Courtesy of the artist and Philip Martin Gallery, Los Angeles.

Kwame Brathwaite. Grandassa Model onstage, Apollo Theater, Harlem, ca. 1968.Courtesy of the artist and Philip Martin Gallery, Los Angeles.

Kwame Brathwaite. Black Is Beautiful poster, with portraits of Brathwaite’s wife, Sikolo, and their daughter, Ndola, pictured in the K, ca. 1970. Designed by Bob Gumbs. Courtesy of the artist and Philip Martin Gallery, Los Angeles.

Black Is Beautiful: The Photography of Kwame Brathwaite is on view now at the Skirball Cultural Center in Los Angeles. The exhibition features over forty photographs of black women and men reclaiming their African roots with natural hair and clothes. This is the first-ever major exhibition dedicated to this key figure of the second Harlem Renaissance. In collaboration with the African Jazz-Art Society and Studios (AJASS) and Grandassa Models, Brathwaite organized fashion shows featuring clothing designed by the models themselves, took stunning portraits of jazz musicians, and captured the black arts community in a series of behind-the-scenes photographs. Brathwaite’s work challenged mainstream beauty standards while celebrating black beauty, instilling a sense of pride throughout the community. On view through September 1 at the Skirball Cultural Center 2701 N Sepulveda Blvd, Los Angeles. photos courtesy of the Skirball Cultural Center