top of page
HEBRU BRANTLEY
CHICAGO, IL
African American artist Hebru Brantley's painted bust for the Visions of Our 44th President Exhibit, entitled, "Graffiti."

Graffiti

African American artist Hebru Brantley's painted bust for the Visions of Our 44th President Exhibit, entitled, "Graffiti."

Influenced by blaxploitation films and science fiction, Hebru Brantley’s work both celebrates and critiques the nuances of contemporary urban culture. Brantley’s bust positions President Obama within this complex cultural framework by juxtaposing the President’s collar—intricately decorated with jovial cartoon characters—with the familiar hip-hop motif of the teardrop tattoo.

​

Hebru Brantley’s style hints of graffiti-worn buildings and sneaker-hung telephone poles. Black exploitation and science-fiction movies urged Brantley to express himself visually.

With inspiration from Romare Bearden, Keith Haring and Jean-Michel Basquiat, toppled mythological comic heroes and Japanese anime, Brantley became a master of visual technology. His paintings are a peek into his mind.

ARTWORK ©HEBRU BRANTLEY

© 2026 OUR WORLD LLC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
bottom of page