“One of My Favorite Songs” 2021, 147.32 x 116.84cm, mixed media on canvas
“If You Against Us, This Is For You” 2020, 127 x 91.44cm, mixed media on canvas
October 29 (Fri) - November 20 (Sat), 2021
11:00 - 19:00
Closed on Sunday, Monday and November 3 (Wed).
* Please email us info@megumiogita.com if you have any enquiries about the artist or works.
* You may be asked to wait for admission when the gallery is crowded in order to prevent infection with COVID-19.
Mythos Opus Pt. 1
Megumi Ogita Gallery Ginza Otsuka Building B1 2-16-12 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo
MEGUMI OGITA GALLERY B1 2-16-12 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo
We are pleased to present Hebru Brantley’s solo exhibition "Mythos Opus Pt.1" at MEGUMI OGITA GALLERY. He was born in Chicago, has a B.A. in Film from Clark Atlanta University and currently lives and works in Los Angeles, California. He has participated in numerous solo and group exhibitions and art fairs. 2 years ago, His first solo exhibition in Japan was held here with a colorful array of works on camouflage walls.
Brantley creates narrative driven work revolving around his conceptualized iconic characters. He utilizes these characters to address complex ideas around nostalgia, the mental psyche, power, and hope. The color palettes, pop-art motifs and characters themselves create accessibility around his layered and multifaceted ideas. Majorly influenced by the South Side of Chicago’s AfriCOBRA movement in the 1960s and 70s, he uses the lineage of mural and graffiti work as a frame to explore his inquiries. He applies a plethora of mediums from oil, acrylic, watercolor and spray paint to non-traditional mediums such as coffee and tea. Brantley’s work challenges the traditional view of the hero or protagonist. His work insists on a contemporary and distinct narrative that shapes and impacts the viewer’s gaze.
Brantley’s work consistently explores the macrocosm of ‘dark fiction’, where dark represents an identity, continent, and mindset. His character, Flyboy, often seen looking upward in heroic stances, was born from the notion of creating a set of characters within a canon that existed alongside Mickey Mouse and Batman, through this concept of dark fiction. The character, Phibby, with a helmet enveloping his dark face, is seen experiencing a need to assimilate, specifically where black people are tasked with making others feel safe, even when there is no threat. Phibby is the personification of the safe zone for a black man, with his helmet serving as both a retreat as well as a shield. Through his characters, Brantley seeks to reassess contemporary culture and mythology.
For this exhibition, Brantley has designed an ambitious space in which 21 works seem to float across the universe. "Mythos Opus Pt.1" traces the rich cultural watershed and embodies the latest afrofuturism.
“Mythos Opus Pt. 2” at NANZUKA 2G (-November 14) and "Mythos Opus Pt. 3" at 3110NZ by LDH (-November 13) are taking place simultaneously.
- This show is an exploration of the idea of 'manhood' through the appropriation of famous American figures. By utilizing the iconography of characters such as Batman and Robin, the path of adolescence to adulthood and what that journey brings about is explored. In our current cultural system, the correlation between leadership roles and hyper masculinity is changing, and thus the perception and expectation of masculinity itself.
With this exhibition one is challenged to question, where are we in the perception of who is the hero? Who are our leaders, who should we follow, and why? -
HEBRU BRANTLEY
For safety reasons, the gallery staff wear masks, disinfect their fingers, clean and ventilate the space. We would appreciate your understanding and cooperation on the following points.
- Please wear a mask when you visit here.
- Please keep a safe distance from other visitors.
- Please refrain from visiting here if you are unwell such as fever, cold or taste disorder.
- Please refrain from visiting here if you have someone who has COVID-19 infection at home, work or school.