Hebru Brantley
'Broccoli Boy', 2019
Oil on canvas
48 × 40 × 2 in
121.9 × 101.6 × 5.1 cm
121.9 × 101.6 × 5.1 cm
Signed by the artist on verso.
Copyright The Artist
Further images
Hebru Brantley's 'Broccoli Boy' (2019) merges pop culture references with a deeper socio-political message, continuing his exploration of African American identity and comic book influences. The piece centers on Brantley's...
Hebru Brantley's 'Broccoli Boy' (2019) merges pop culture references with a deeper socio-political message, continuing his exploration of African American identity and comic book influences. The piece centers on Brantley's iconic character, Broccoli Boy, a young Black figure symbolizing both innocence and strength. With vibrant colors and dynamic contrasts, the work captures a sense of playful defiance, while also addressing themes of empowerment, resilience, and self-expression.
Rooted in Afrofuturism, Broccoli Boy embodies a sense of limitless possibility while navigating the complexities of race and identity. The figure stands as a metaphor for resilience, reclaiming power through individuality and the refusal to be confined by societal limitations. The playful yet bold nature of the piece challenges traditional ideas of heroism and power, suggesting that true strength comes from within, while offering a fresh perspective on the future of Black identity and culture.
Brantley, drawing inspiration from artists like Jean-Michel Basquiat and the vibrant graffiti scene, continues to reimagine superheroes through a lens of empowerment for people of color. His work resonates with current social justice movements, challenging and expanding the narrative of heroism and resilience. Broccoli Boy exemplifies this rethinking of cultural mythology, making his artwork both accessible and layered in meaning. Celebrated by high-profile collectors like LeBron James and Beyoncé, Brantley's creations speak to a broad audience, embodying the strength, vitality, and creativity of Black identity.
Rooted in Afrofuturism, Broccoli Boy embodies a sense of limitless possibility while navigating the complexities of race and identity. The figure stands as a metaphor for resilience, reclaiming power through individuality and the refusal to be confined by societal limitations. The playful yet bold nature of the piece challenges traditional ideas of heroism and power, suggesting that true strength comes from within, while offering a fresh perspective on the future of Black identity and culture.
Brantley, drawing inspiration from artists like Jean-Michel Basquiat and the vibrant graffiti scene, continues to reimagine superheroes through a lens of empowerment for people of color. His work resonates with current social justice movements, challenging and expanding the narrative of heroism and resilience. Broccoli Boy exemplifies this rethinking of cultural mythology, making his artwork both accessible and layered in meaning. Celebrated by high-profile collectors like LeBron James and Beyoncé, Brantley's creations speak to a broad audience, embodying the strength, vitality, and creativity of Black identity.