Kobe Bryant Murals in Los Angeles: So Creative they Really Blow Your Mind!

Have you seen these awesome Southern California murals of Kobe and Gianna?

It’s been less than two years since the January 26th (2020) death of the world renowned Kobe Bryant.

The helicopter crash also took the lives of his beloved 13-year-old daughter Gianna Maria-Onore Bryant, as well seven other souls onboard.

Since that time, the whole world has done countless things to pay homage to the 6'6" NBA All-Star champion.

Clearly, his presence can’t be missed anymore than it is by his surviving spouse Vanessa Bryant and children: Natalia Diamante Bryant, Bianka Bella Bryant, and Capri Kobe Bryant.

But the rest of the world continues to show the degree of their sorrow and grief over the loss of such a great legend.

Kobe Bryant and Lakers Love

Being a resident of Los Angeles California, no one knows better than me knows the degree of Lakers Love that flows through this city.

If you’re a sports fan, particularly basketball, chances are you’re a Lakers and Kobe Bryant fan.

I’m not just saying that because I live in the city of purple and gold. I’m really not even into sports. But I can’t deny that living in a city with a ball club as popular and highly publicized as the L.A. Lakers, I haven’t been touched by a little Lakers fever.

And as everyone who’s anyone will tell you, for a long time, the name “Lakers” has been synonymous with the name Kobe Bryant. Because of him, the numbers 8 and 24 have taken on a whole new significance.

Kobe Murals Tell a Story

The first time I saw the above mural, created by artist Shak Smart, I was walking in the neighborhood and saw him, just as he was putting the finishing touches on his work of art.

I remember thinking how cool it was, not just the mural itself, but the fact that out of all the murals I’d seen while living in Los Angeles, I had never actually saw one being painted.

I stood back and watched from a distance, careful not to interfere with the whole artist vibe he had going on. At the time, he happened to be completely caught up in what he was creating, while wearing earbuds and grooving to whatever he was listening to.

He was so immersed in his activities that he didn’t even notice me. I could see that he was enjoying the mural as much as I was, even though it wasn’t quite complete.

The following day, I returned to the location, specifically to take the above picture. I was sorry that I hadn’t taken the time to interrupt the artist and talk to him about his work. But I was glad that at least he had taken the time to share it with the community.

Discovering More Kobe Bryant Murals

It was only recently that I decided to write a story about the mural on Western Avenue and I wondered if there were other photos of it online.

I hoped someone else had taken photos, especially since I failed to get the name of the artist (It wasn’t until later that I thought of tracking the information down, using the signature on the mural).

If I didn’t need to search for the artist online, I would have never come across the awesome website I found, with all the gorgeous Kobe murals.

I had Googled the phrase: “Kobe Bryant mural western avenue” but was disappointed when the specific image I was looking for didn’t immediately pop up.

However, I was pleasantly surprised to discover that there was actually a website devoted to nothing but Kobe Bryant murals. I had never heard of Kobemural.com but I sure was glad I found it.

As I scrolled through the mind blowing images, each one just as vivid and colorful and creative as the next. The collection was literally eye-popping (well not literally, but you know what I mean).

I’ve provided a few of my favorites below so you can see what I’m talking about. If you decide to go to the website, don’t be surprised to find a few images with him and daughter Gianna among the collection.

In fact, there are also a couple with Kobe and Nipsey Hussle and at least one other famous person that you’ll want to check out.

I found myself on the site for nearly half an hour, pouring over the collection of 34 murals (my count might be slightly off). I nearly forgot what I was supposed to be looking for.

Even though I never did find the Western Avenue mural that I was looking for, I got the opportunity to view some truly awesome art from creatives all over Los Angeles. It gave me a better sense of who this beloved athlete was, and just how much people everywhere adorned him.

Shared Kobe Bryant Memories

The images you see shown below are various artists’ representations of many Kobe Bryant memories. Just a glimpse at the following 10 images will inspire you to go check out the entire collection.

Whether you do or not, be sure you take a few minutes now, and reflect on this man, because that is exactly what he was, for all the love, respect and admiration that was poured on him. He was just a man.

So remember the man he was, and father, and spouse. Someone with close family and friends who loved him and will miss him, way more than you or I ever could.

Remember how quickly him, his daughter, and everyone else on the helicopter were taken from those they loved, and those who loved them.

Allow the way you feel as you consider these things, cause you to never take life for granted.

Remember:

You can view the entire Kobe Bryant collection of murals by visiting the website. Just follow this link: https://www.kobemural.com/

Rest in peace Kobe and all the passengers on the aircraft.

DISCLAIMER: Unless otherwise stated, all photos of images on this page are the property of KobeMurals.com and the respective artists whose names are cited and attributed to the paintings and drawings.

Final Thoughts

The use of artwork as a form of healing works in several ways. It helps the person creating the art to heal, as well as those who enjoy the artist representations of the subjects being memorialized.

Kobe Bryant was a well loved athlete, but he was also a man with a family and friends who will miss him.

As you reflect on what you knew of him, try hard to reflect on that fact as well , and allow it to influence how you spend your moments with those you love and those who love you.

You might also enjoy:

Hats Off to Sha’ Carri Richardson for Putting Her Big Girl Panties On!

African American Teen Wins the Scripps National Spelling Bee

These Black Women are Trekking Through the Outdoors In Their Own Backyard!

Justiss Goode stories: choose from my OVER 250 titles (by category)

Not a Medium Member yet? Join now with my referral link: https://justissgoode.medium.com/membership

Do you want your stories to automatically post on Twitter for FREE? You can start in the next 5 minutes! POST AUTOMATIC TWEETS (affiliate link)