[Hebru Brantley Hebru Brantley creates narrative driven work revolving around his
conceptualized iconic characters. Brantley utilizes these iconic characters
to address complex ideas around nostalgia, the mental psyche, power and
hope. The color palettes, pop-art motifs and characters themselves create
accessibility around Brantley’s layered and multifaceted ideas. Majorly
influenced by the South Side of Chicago’s Afro Cobra movement in the 1960s
and 70s, Brantley uses the lineage of mural and graffiti work as a frame to
explore his inquiries. Brantley applies a plethora of mediums from oil,
acrylic, watercolor and spray paint to non-traditional mediums such as
coffee and tea. Brantley’s work challenges the traditional view of the hero
or protagonist. His work insists on a contemporary and distinct narrative
that shapes and impacts the viewer’s gaze. Recognized nationally for public
works and solo shows in Chicago, Hebru Brantley has exhibited in London,
San Francisco, Atlanta, Miami, Seattle, Los Angeles and New York including
Art Basel Switzerland, Art Basel Miami, Scope NYC and Frieze London.
Brantley has been recognized in publications including the Chicago Tribune,
Complex Magazine and NY Post. His work has been collected by Chicago’s
Mayor Rahm Emmanuel, The Pritzker Family and power couple Jay-Z and
Beyonce. Brantley has collaborated with brands like Nike, Hublot and
Adidas. Brantley earned a B.A. in Film from Clark Atlanta University, and
has a background in design and Media Illustration]