Chicago Artist Flying High with Flyboys and Girls

Comics, Pop Culture and Anime Inspire a Painter's "Parade"

"Advertisement #59" by Hebru BrantleyYou might have seen the name Hebru Brantley in the press last year. The Chicago artist made waves with just one sale when Jay-Z bought a painting of his at Miami’s Art Basel expo. The rapper and entrepreneur paid $20,000 to add Everyone’s Scared to his collection.

Brantley is back in his hometown with a solo show that explores emotion in human experience. Optimism and pessimism share the stage in a parade of images that brings the outdoors in. It’s an immersive experience with multi-media murals – he’s been known to paint with coffee and tea – and even a parade “float” overhead.

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Inspired by street art pioneers like Keith Haring and Jean Michel Basquiat, Bronzeville native Hebru Brantley has crafted a narrative that explores his personal and cultural memory of growing up in Chicago.

The work is energetic and fun, but there’s also a serious facet. The man-child at the center of the painting 

"OMG" by Hebru Brantley

Fade Resistant seeks peace in a chaotic world. Other works offer mixed messages in a whirling blend of paint and ink.

The exhibition is called Hebru Brantley: Parade Day Rain.  It just opened at the Chicago Cultural Center. It is free and runs through September 23.

View a slideshow.

 

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