Davon Brantley, a Cleveland, OH native, graduated with a BFA in Drawing from the Cleveland Institute of Art in 2018. Since then, he has deeply immersed himself in the art community, engaging in teaching, curating, exploring diverse mediums, exhibiting his work, and mentoring emerging artists. Davon is consistently working to shape perceptions of art as a viable and sustainable career path.

In recognition of his contributions and talent, Carta awarded him the 2024 Eterovich Award. This prestigious award, funded by a donation from the family of Anthony Eterovich—an artist and educator who led CIA's children's classes for over 50 years—is presented to exceptional emerging artists with works in carta’s collection.

Brantley has exhibited and curated at significant venues including Bay Arts, the Museum of Contemporary Art in Cleveland, the CAN Triennial, the Morgan Conservatory, the Indianapolis Arts Center, and the Artists Archives of the Western Reserve. He collaborates with local organizations such as the Museum of Creative Human Art and Graffiti HeArt, furthering his printmaking studies through DeepDive Art Projects and the Cleveland Institute of Art. Additionally, he advocates for introducing the arts to younger generations and participates in mural projects.

In his artistic practice, Brantley employs self-portraiture and psychological themes, drawing inspiration from dissociative behaviors resulting from trauma. He explains, “I guide the audience through my own narratives surrounding colorism, racial stereotyping, and meditations on death, life, sexuality, and masculinity. By using my image, viewers encounter someone who may not share their experiences and who actively disrupts identity expectations.”

Through his multifaceted involvement in the art community and his poignant explorations, Davon Brantley inspires and empowers both audiences and aspiring artists alike.