Acclaimed contemporary artist, Hebru Brantley, to unveil new commission at Fashion Outlets of Chicago

Featuring Brantley’s signature Flyboy, the work will transform the shopping center’s central escalator

Artists Hebru Brantley will unveil a new permanent commission, titled “Midnight Blue,” at the Fashion Outlets of Chicago shopping center on Friday, Sept. 20.
Courtesy of Fashion Outlets of Chicago

THE COLLECTION: Where Art Meets Fashion, the multifaceted contemporary art program located within Fashion Outlets of Chicago, with support from the village of Rosemont, has announced the program’s newest site-specific installation, “Midnight Blue,” by celebrated Chicago native, Artist Hebru Brantley, featuring his iconic Flyboy character.

The permanent work will make its debut at the center on Friday, Sept. 20.

“When we established THE COLLECTION, we set out to provide Fashion Outlets of Chicago shoppers with an unparalleled, yet approachable visual art experience,” said Katie Walsh, senior marketing manager at Fashion Outlets of Chicago. “With the addition of this incredible work by an artist as iconic as Hebru Brantley, we are demonstrating our commitment to providing world-class, museum-quality work to the public in an unexpected, unique setting.”

Rendering of “Midnight Blue” by Hebru Brantley.
Courtesy of Fashion Outlets of Chicago

Enigmatic and abstract, “Midnight Blue” draws inspiration from the world of Jazz, particularly the atmosphere created in the classic tune, “Round Midnight.” The focus of the work is on capturing a feeling — a state of being lost in the moment, carried away by the interplay of colors and shapes. These colors themselves become a dreamscape, inviting the viewer to surrender to their own interpretation. Using shapes that hint at camouflage, the work introduces a layer of tension, reflecting the artist’s desire to create a work that resonates on an emotional level, similar to the power of music, all while existing in a dynamic relationship with its environment.

“Ultimately, ‘Midnight Blue’ is about setting a mood, a vibe, just as a great Jazz piece can transport the listener,” said Brantley. “This commission by Fashion Outlets of Chicago was an incredible opportunity to create a work that is simultaneously unexpected and immersive. I’m thrilled to join my colleagues and friends represented in THE COLLECTION and I can’t wait for visitors to engage with ‘Midnight Blue’ for years to come.”

Known for his distinctive, narrative-driven work that revolves around conceptualized characters, Brantley utilizes the characters to address complex ideas while exploring color palettes, motifs and the characters themselves to create an air of innocence around his layered and multifaceted works.

For information on THE COLLECTION and Fashion Outlets of Chicago, visit fashionoutletsofchicago.com/thecollection.