Hebru Brantley

Hebru Brantley breaks down the walls of cultural boundaries through his art. Inspired by his upbringing in 1980s Chicago, Brantley's work tackles difficult subject matter in a way that can be easily digested by the viewer, telling his stories through young characters and their adventures. Brantley's work can be described as pop-infused contemporary art, inspired by Japanese anime and the bold aesthetic of street art pioneers Jean Michel Basquiat, Kaws and Keith Haring. While spray paint is often at the forefront of his mixed media illustrations, Brantley uses a plethora of mediums, from oil, acrylic and watercolor to non-traditional mediums like coffee and tea. .

Brantley discovered his first foray into the art world through the murals of the Afro Cobra movement of the 60s and 70s that covered the walls of Chicago's South Side. His murals spoke of empowering our country's youth in a way that was no longer relevant, and Brantley seeks to offer the same hope and optimism to the country's youth in a more engaging way.

A careful observer of life, Brantley calls on his characters to help him create different narratives in his work. Recently, Brantley has focused on sharing high-energy narratives of real-life moments in his life and those of his peers, mixed with fantasy fiction - to create a fragmented fictional environment. Brantley's works evoke the essential combination of nostalgia and inspiration in those who can experience them.

Recognized nationally for his public works and solo exhibitions in Chicago, Hebru Brantley has exhibited in London, Switzerland, 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 such as the Chicago Tribune, Complex Magazine and the NY Post. His works have been collected by many renowned collectors. Brantley has collaborated with brands like Nike, Hublot and Adidas. Brantley earned a bachelor's degree in film from Clark University in Atlanta and has a background in design and media illustration.