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.
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
