Spotted: Kane One

So you've heard of Banksy, but have you heard of Kane One?

One of Cook County's finest, Kane One has been an active graffiti artist here since 1989. In the past two decades he has been a member of Def Con 5, Dirty Thirty, and Just 4 Fun crews.

Photo by A Syn from http://www.flickr.com/photos/24293932@N00/4133163414/

But don't just think of him as a vandal. Kane One has a Bachelor in Fine Arts and a Masters of Art in Teaching from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. He has also been teaching a course called 'History of Graffiti" at SAIC and he curated a Chicago group graffiti/street art exhibit at the National Museum of Mexican Art this past June.

Photo by thedwarves from http://www.flickr.com/photos/41418570@N03/3818570786

Check out this video on Vimeo of Kane One talking about his art and showing the process of painting a wall!

Kane One @ The Bread Factory from Kane One on Vimeo.

Graffiti Fine Art

Photographer, filmmaker, and all around "cool guy", Jared Levy put out a documentary just a few years ago called, Graffiti Fine Art.
This film is about the nature of fine art, graffiti, and how these two worlds have molded and intertwined together.

If you haven't seen this film yet, here is your opportunity. The IPaintMyMind Gallery at the Green Exchange in Logan Square will be showcasing the film on Friday November 15th. The event is 21+ and there will be free beer, wine, and snacks.  The event is from 5-9pm with an opening set by DJ Sean Doe and then the film screening will begin at 7:15pm.

Here is the flyer for the event this weekend:

Graffiti Fine Art trailer: 

Spotted: Hebru Brantley

This Bronzeville/Douglas native who still lives and works in Chicago is one of the most publicly respected and recognized graffiti artists. 

Photo by Onasis from http://voices.suntimes.com/arts-entertainment/the-daily-sizzle/chicago-artist-hebru-brantley-hosts-pop-up-shop-during-lollapalooza/

His own statement claims that his style derives from "graffiti-worn buildings and sneaker-hung telephone poles honoring memories of local legends." (Isn't that what he is??)  Mythological heroes in cartoons and comic books are what inspired him to tell stories through his art.

From DoctorStick on http://www.flickr.com/photos/doctorstick/7625720382/

Bothered by black exploitation and science fiction in movies and on TV when he was younger, Brantley started to express himself visually. Among his influences are Romare Bearden, Keith Haring, Basquiat, and black folt art.

Poster by Hebru Brantley from http://theboard.lollapalooza.com/showthread.php?776-20th-Anniversary-Commerative-Poster

One thing that Brantley is very notorious for is his use of different surfaces and media including wood, spray paint, coffee, and tea. Even thought he has moved on from tagging walls to canvas art, he will always be remembered for his anime-like pieces in Chicago.

From http://themadeblog.com/tag/wicker/

Hebru Brantley has had his work exhibited in Atlanta, Miami, Seattle, L.A. & New York. Two of his pieces are currently being featured at the American Embassy in Stockholm throughout the remainder of the year. He has also worked for people/companies including: Lollapalooza, Jay Z, Nike, & Life + Times.

From http://tullman.blogspot.com/2011/11/tullman-collection-artist-hebru.html