The self-avowed “Afro-Futurist” prolific artist Hebru Brantley shares his heroic character, Flyboy.
The self-avowed “Afro-Futurist” prolific artist Hebru Brantley shares his heroic character, Flyboy.
The Afro-Futurism (Impossible View)-themed show –– currently on display at the Zhou B. Art Center, 1029 W. 35th St. –– touches upon the spirits of children who haven’t give n up hope when dealing with the social and economical limitation that scourge society.
Flyboy, a yellow-goggled youth character, is able to deal with his enemies and life’s struggles through his wit, enigma and his flying ability.
Brantley aims to have his art cross all cultures and generations.
“It speaks to many cultures on different levels,” Brantley told the Defender.
The character stems from Brantley’s attempt to commercialize the idea of an ethnic hero. While examining African-American history, he chose to look into the legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen as he created a series of characters using Japanese anime as a muse.
Brantley, who has been painting professionally for four years, recalled painting as early as the 2nd grade.
“I was born with the gift to paint…I didn’t want to let that squander,” he said.
The show runs until April 25.
Copyright 2011 Chicago Defender
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