ARTIST  - Paul Branton 

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Chicago is home to many talented artists, and one that should be at the top of your list is Paul Branton. Born and raised in the Southside of Chicago, he is not your average contemporary artist, with a education in fine art and a background in poetry and film, Paul’s skillset is a diverse one. Growing up Paul's playgrounds were abandoned buildings and concrete lots, finding natural beauty in Chicago's industrial aesthetics at a young age. Today he uses bold saturated colors to convey meaningful messages and produce beautiful artworks that hang in private collections across the country. Read more about Paul and our collaborative clothing collection below: 

The Start

Paul's interest in art began as a child when he first locked eyes with a record in his parents collections. In particular a cover artwork by Ernie Barnes, the cover of Marvin Gaye’s ‘I want you’ album. That image was embedded in his memory and planted a passion for art that grew into his own unique sense of artistry.

”I remember being a little kid, staring at this album cover for hours trying to figure out how somebody created this entire world on a flat surface” 

His Work

His art comes from a very personal place, using each medium as a way reflect and paint what is important to him. When I spoke to the artist he told me that he only puts out artwork under two conditions. 

1. If he loves it. 

2. If it's deserving of the public to have. 

These two points are certainly the case with Paul's work and apparent in his most recent series "BLK HND SDE". a multi-perspective examination of the American Journey for African Americans. An honest and thought-provoking dialogue designed by Paul, where he also showed impressive new techniques and skills in mixed media. ("Future Royalty" pictured below) 

Paul's artistic upbringing in the south side of Chicago influenced and cultivated many his artistic senses, and one that's most prevalent is his love for music. Often portraying the icons of jazz and Hip Hop he grew up with on canvas, Paul was born in 73', the same year hip hop was brought into existence, and a bustling time for the music scene. Paul remembers cleaning up the house with his parents to Soul Train playing loudly in the background. That impression and love for music has never left him and we suggest you check out his 16 bar series here. A homage to the greats in hip hop. 

Primarily using oil paint as a medium in his past portfolios, Paul has diversified his toolkit and looks forward to expanding into new techniques and using found objects in 2020. From sports to music, and from great struggle to great achievement, Paul paints his world with moments that are inspiring. 

We teamed up with Paul to drop a series of original artworks on clothing titled "INSPIRATION". The collection releases Monday 9/9. DM or email us for an early private link. 

Upcoming September shows: 

Printers Row

On September 14th & 15th Paul will be with the Pigment family at the annual Printers Row Art Fest - 701 S Dearborn St
Chicago, Illinois 60605

2) Beverly Art Walk

On September 21st, 12-6pm, Join Paul at the 6th annual Beverly Art Walk. Transforming the space at 1917 W. 103rd (Beverly Yoga)

3) Dear Jazz - A visual love letter to Jazz Music

Opening Oct 4th - 6-9pm at the South Side Community Art Center 3831 S. Michigan, Chicago 60653