We welcome back Chicago artist Hebru Brantley, who joins us for this year’s massive POW! WOW! Hawaii 2016 x 1xRUN lineup! Brantley returns with a print inspired by classic films second acts that was realized as canvas before becoming a massive mural in Atlanta’s Fourth Ward district. Available in Standard and Hand-Embellished editions Spielbergian Climax captures Brantley’s signature style and characters with a new exclusive edition for this year’s POW! WOW! Hawaii x 1xRUN print suite…
1x: Tell us a little bit about this piece. Was it part of a recent theme, series or show that you had?
Hebru Brantley: An idea that I wanted to bring to life in a few different spaces from an actual painting to a piece of street art. This was the original piece, after creating it I chose to use it as inspiration for the mural that I was creating in the historic district in Atlanta, Old Fourth Ward, last year.
1x: When was this piece created and what materials were used?
Hebru Brantley: I did this piece back in 2013 over the span of I think around 2 days. It was made using acrylic and spray paint.
Spielbergian Climax early sketch by Hebru Brantley
1x: What is unique about this piece compared to your other work?
Hebru Brantley: I think it speaks to a lot of the work I was doing at the time. I wanted it to have a very climactic feel and speak to relationships and affection with a sense of urgency giving how weighted the moment is. This piece borrows from classic movies of old, from the 3rd act where the hero has to rush off and do something daring and the heroine gives him that last hug/kiss that empowers him to do that last act.
1x: Why should people buy this print?
Hebru Brantley: Because it’s fucking awesome.
1x: Describe this piece in one gut reaction word.
Hebru Brantley: Passionate.
Spielbergian Climax by Hebru Brantley – Click To Purchase The Standard & Hand-Embellished Editions NOW!
1x: This will be your first time out to Hawaii for POW! WOW! what are your expectations going in?
Hebru Brantley: No real expectations, just more excitement to be a part of something that I’ve wanted to be a part of for several years. So now I get to come off the sidelines and be in the game.
Hebru Brantley In Detroit for 1xRUN’s Murals In The Market
1x: Without giving away too much, what are your plans for your mural out in Honolulu?
Hebru Brantley: Another iteration and narrative involving some of my staple characters.
1x: What’s your schedule like after POW! WOW!? Any big shows or events coming up that you’d like to share?
Hebru Brantley: I’m doing a show in Atlanta in March at the Marcia Wood Gallery, and a big show in Pittsburgh in May at the August Wilson Center.
1x: Where else can people find you?
Hebru Brantley: Website – Instagram@hebrubrantley – Twitter@hebrubrantley – Store
-1xRUN