Steve Bravo’s “Get ‘Em Girl” Is an Amalgamation of The Powerful Women in His Life

1xRUN is excited to present a two limited print editions by post-pop artist Steve Bravo as part of our ongoing Black History Month collection, curated by Greg Cummins. Drawing influences from anime, graffiti, and hip-hop, Bravo imagines aspirational characters living out his Afrofuturist vision. “Get ‘Em Girl” is available in two distinct variants, differing by color, style and texture. Read our exclusive interview with the artist below!

1x: How did the idea and execution come about for this image?
Bravo:
This image is like a freeze frame of a character in a narrative that I am building. The character, “Get Em Girl” is an amalgamation of powerful, goal-driven women that I have known in my life. They support me directly and indirectly as well as inspire me. I try to capture their essence in some of the images I create.

1x: Why is it important for people to see this image on a stamp?
Bravo:
We should always worship our goddesses every chance we get.

1x: What is unique about this piece compared with your other work?
Bravo:
I think everything that I create is unique in the sense that it can only come from my experiences, references, and energy. What’s special about these particular pieces is the fact that I will never make these again.

1x: If you could honor a historic African American with their own national holiday who would it be and why?
Bravo:
I wouldn’t limit our history to African-American history. Our history doesn’t begin in America, it doesn’t begin with slavery. If I had the honor of blessing an American-born individual with a national holiday then it would probably be Quincy Jones. He is largely responsible for shaping ALL culture in America, not just Black culture. His work and contributions span generations.

1x: If you could have dinner with any African American from past or present who would it be and why?
Bravo:
I would have dinner with my grandfather. I never met him; he died before I was born. I am told that he was 7’ tall.

1x: How did you first get into art?
Bravo:
Art got into me. I have been attracted to and guided by shapes, colors, textures and composition for as long as I can remember. However, I didn’t begin to contribute until my early teens when I really got into graffiti.

1x: What would you consider a dream collaboration?
Bravo:
My dream collaboration would be creating something with the city of Chicago.

1x: What artists inspire you now?
Bravo:
This is rough. I’m in a constant state of inspiration. Firstly, I’m inspired all of the artists in this 1xRUN BHM series. As far as famous or known artists I’m inspired by everyone from Kerry James Marshall, Theaster Gates, Dawoud Bey, Jack Kirby, Reggieknow, Grafflex, James Jean, Maxsansing, Kayla May… it’s literally too many to name.

1x: Any big shows or events coming up that you’d like to share?Bravo: I have a summer project and a winter project that we (PopToyPop) are working on right now. Should be interesting.

Follow Steve Bravo at @Steve_Bravo.