Q&A: Hebru Brantley

Hebru Brantley

Miami, FL – November 20, 2014 – There’s a new mural gleaming through the streets of Miami and we have have artist Hebru Brantley to thank for that. Brantley was in town last week for his contribution to the Street Art Program for the Miami component of AMEX Small Business Saturday. If you’re not familiar, Small Business Saturday, now in its fifth year, is about supporting and celebrating the independent small businesses that boost our local economies and serves as the ceremonial kickoff to the holiday shopping season for small businesses across the United States. Nearly half of total retail sales in the U.S. come from independent businesses. This year, Brantley was selected to help curate a talented group of established and up-and-coming artists to create murals that celebrate local communities across the United States. Brantley’s mural, located at 337 SW 8th St, illustrates the American spending power by bringing attention to the perceived value of luxury items. The artwork features several of Brantley’s traditional flyboy characters carrying around Andy Warhol’s Brillo Boxes. The intention is to inspire locals to shop small by calling upon the value of consumerism. Brantley’s diverse portfolio of work has the distinct ability to touch people from all walks of life, with collectors including Jay-Z and Beyonce, the Pritzker Family, Swizz Beatz and Alicia Keys and Stewart Rahr.

Brantley, a Bronzeville-native living and working in Chicago, explores personal and cultural memory in his art. Taking themes from his 1980’s upbringing, Brantley uses a creative process akin to free-form journaling, using a variety of surfaces and media including wood, spray paint, coffee and tea. His work tends to delve into political and social issues with a conscious focus on playful insight and the optimism and possibilities of youth. Brantley has developed his own unique style and identifies as an Afro-Futurist. Recognized nationally for public works and solo shows in Chicago, Hebru Brantley has exhibited in San Francisco, Atlanta, Miami, Seattle, Los Angeles and New York.

We were lucky enough to snag a moment with Brantley and chat with him on everything from his involvement with AMEX to his Chicago roots, and even his thoughts on Miami’s bustling art scene.

Hebru Brantley

WRE: Tell us about this mural you just did here in Miami for AMEX Small Business Saturday’s? What inspired the design?

HB: The design was inspired by some of my past works, and explores the world and characters I have created while lending itself to the theme of AMEX shop small. The mural shows a bit of commerce with the Brillo boxes stacked on the back of the car, showing that my flyboy character had been shopping around and spending cash. I also give a nod to Andy Warhol and his Brillo boxes, calling upon the pop art and cartoon character side of his work that I often explore.

WRE: How does this mural correlate with AMEX Small Business Saturday’s message?

HB: The mural portrays my flyboy purchasing goods, calling upon the important of commerce. My use of the Brillo boxes brings attention to the weight of the perceived value of items; Andy Warhol took images of otherwise mundane objects and made them luxury goods in a sense. In support of this campaign, I hope people can realize how important it is to place equal value on small businesses and the individualized merchandise they offer.

WRE: When was the moment when you realized your street art could become a career?

HB: I realized my art could become a career the first time I ever sold a painting in college. Even though I didn’t make much, a lightbulb went off for me at the idea that I could create and do what I love  and make money at the same time. The idea that that could actually happen was enough for me to pursue the love of making art.

WRE: How has your Chicago-native roots influenced your work?

HB: Chicago is me. I am Chicago. It’s where I grew up, it’s where I learned about myself and my work. It’s innately me. As I create, I am a Chicagoan creating art, and Chicago always influences my perspective both consciously and subconsciously. I am very much a product of my environment.

WRE: How long does it usually take you to create an idea for a mural?

HB: Sometimes days, sometimes minutes, it depends upon where I am in my process.

WRE: Describe how you evolved from painting on the street, to working on canvas to now having your online store where you sell various goods?

HB: I wouldn’t call it an evolution, I’d call it a natural progression as I’ve always created through many different mediums; I don’t think there’s an evolution from one to another, rather, I think each form of artwork has always existed side-by-side, the attention for each piece is simply garnered based on the viewer and their circumstances. Some might know my work from the streets, while others might only know my work from the galleries. Each are equally important forms of expression for me.

Hebru Brantley

Some might know my work from the streets, while others might only know my work from the galleries. Each are equally important forms of expression for me.

WRE: What do you think about Miami’s art scene?

HB: I think it’s wonderful. The culture in Miami is growing and being dictated through the artists that reside in Miami as well as the artists that continue to come to Miami. Miami’s art scene is very open and receptive to new artists and new art forms and that’s what I love about it – it’s not too focused on one particular style of work and welcomes anything new and progressive.

Hebru Brantley

Miami’s art scene is very open and receptive to new artists and new art forms and that’s what I love about it.

Hebru Brantley