Five years have passed since the tragic helicopter accident that claimed the lives of basketball legend Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gigi on January 26, 2020. Since then, tributes to honor their memories have sprung up worldwide, with some of the most powerful displays found in Bryant’s hometown of Los Angeles. As the Lunar New Year ushered in the Year of the Snake, artists Chris Carlson and Nate Baranowski have transformed this motif into the “Year of the Mamba” in a stunning mural located in Venice Beach.
Commissioned by Nike, who holds a partnership with Bryant’s estate, the mural features intricate 3D effects that bring the artwork to life. Chris Carlson, the mastermind behind the design, explains that his specialty in creating 3D illusions led Nike to choose him for the project. “I loved the concept and I was thrilled when they selected me for the project,” Carlson shares.
Drawing inspiration from Bryant’s iconic self-given moniker, Black Mamba, Carlson incorporated a snake into the mural’s design. The snake is portrayed as breaking through the wall, symbolizing intensity and movement. It coils around Bryant in a way that signifies the eternal connection between the two figures. Positioned next to the Venice Beach basketball courts, the mural seems to challenge players to strive for greatness, with Bryant and the snake gazing out at those engaged in the sport.
Having been a fan of Bryant’s before embarking on this project, Carlson found the athlete’s skills, intensity, and work ethic to be deeply inspirational. He notes that Bryant’s philosophies on athletic improvement can be applied to various aspects of life, including the pursuit of artistic excellence. The artist’s fondness for large-scale works stems from the challenge they present, likening the feeling of accomplishment upon completing a mural to overcoming obstacles and embracing discomfort.
The transformative power of murals is not lost on Carlson, who believes that these artworks can profoundly impact their surroundings. By altering the visual landscape of a location, murals have the ability to unite communities and instill a sense of pride. With his latest creation, Carlson hopes to spark conversations and inspire others to delve into the world of art. Expressing his desire to pay forward the life-changing experience he had upon encountering 3D artwork online, the artist aims to ignite a similar passion in individuals who come across his work.
In a world where art serves as a universal language, the tribute to Kobe Bryant in the form of a mesmerizing mural stands as a testament to the enduring impact of a sports icon. Through the artistic vision of Chris Carlson and Nate Baranowski, the legacy of the Black Mamba lives on, challenging viewers to strive for greatness and fostering a sense of community through the power of visual storytelling.
