Hope, a Portrait of Brandon Johnson by Courtney Jolliff

This is an original expressionist work titled 'Hope' by artist Courtney Jolliff, rendered in acrylic paint on a substrate of repurposed or found corrugated cardboard. The piece features a stylized portrait of Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson. The composition uses a bold, primary color palette including reds, yellows, and blues, with heavy black outlines characteristic of contemporary folk or outsider art styles. The figure in the foreground is depicted with a multi-colored, mosaic-like face, white shirt, red tie, and blue suit, while a larger, monochromatic grey-toned version of the subject looms in the background. To the right, a vertical stack of red stars evokes the imagery of the Chicago city flag. The word 'HOPE' is prominently painted in white across the bottom. The piece is notably hand-signed by Brandon Johnson on the lapel/shoulder area in dark ink or marker. The cardboard edges appear rough and slightly uneven, typical of found materials. The paint application is thick and gestural with visible brushwork. The physical condition appears stable, though the medium suggests a fragile, non-archival nature. This is a contemporary piece, likely created around the subject's 2023 mayoral campaign or inauguration, blending political memorabilia with modern street-influenced portraiture.

I have virtually examined this portrait of Brandon Johnson by Courtney Jolliff. The work is a compelling fusion of contemporary folk expressionism and political memorabilia. Stylistically, the use of found cardboard and raw, gestural acrylic application aligns with the 'Outsider Art' movement, which has seen increased market demand in recent years. The condition appears stable, though I note the inherent fragility and acidification risk of the non-archival corrugated substrate. The value is significantly enhanced by the juxtaposition of the artist's vibrant palette and the physical signature of the subject. A standard Jolliff original of this size might command $400-$700; however, the autograph of a sitting major-city mayor creates a unique crossover appeal for political collectors. Market comparables for contemporary 'campaign art' (much like the Shepard Fairey 'HOPE' precedent) suggest that proximity to the subject's rise to power adds a speculative premium. Limitations: This appraisal is based strictly on digital imagery. Verification of the signature’s authenticity remains the primary variable. To finalize this valuation, I would require provenance documentation (e.g., photo of the signing or a receipt from the artist) and an in-person ink-degradation test to confirm the signature is not a mechanical reproduction. Furthermore, physical inspection is required to assess whether the cardboard has been treated with a de-acidifier or protective sealant, which would impact the work's long-term investment viability. Rarity is high, as this represents a specific intersection of Chicago cultural and political history.