Hebru Brantley was born in 1981 in Chicago. He earned a B.A. in Film from Clark Atlanta University, and has a background in Design and Media Illustration. He began tagging graffiti on the street in the 1990s. His mixed-media paintings and sculpture reflect the street’s energy and aesthetic, embodying the contemporary urban culture. Using a distinct narrative and pop-art icons, Brantley’s work challenges the traditional view of hero and addresses complex ideas around nostalgia, mental psyche, power and hope, drawing inspiration from Keith Haring, African American History, Hip-Hop, anime and manga. The artist is also influenced by the 1960s-70s COBRA (The Commune of Bad Relevant Artists) in the South Side of Chicago, seeking to explore what was the “Black aesthetic” creed. He applies diverse mediums such as oil, acrylic, watercolor, spray paint, and even coffee and tea. Brantley has exhibited in London, San Francisco, Seattle, Los Angeles and other cities, as well as international art fairs including Art Basel in Switzerland and Miami, SCOPE New York and Frieze London.