The work of renowned muralist and painter Jonas Never can be seen almost anywhere these days. From the brick and mortar of Los Angeles, to the foil packs of baseball cards, his touch has influenced the sports world in a very unique way.
Now, his paintbrushes are bringing Kobe Bryant's legacy to life.
Tuesday morning, Never announced he's nearly completed a commission of the legendary Los Angeles Laker for the 1020 Mission Street complex in South Pasadena, California. It was ordered by the building's owner, Thano Adamson, and Hall of Fame photographer Andrew D. Bernstein.
From Los Angeles Times columnist Arash Markazi:
A mural of Kobe Bryant is being painted by renowned artist Jonas Never and will be completed on April 13 at the 1020 Mission Street complex in South Pasadena. It is being commissioned by building owner Thano Adamson and hall of fame photographer Andrew D. Bernstein. pic.twitter.com/08DzxATfwb
— Arash Markazi (@ArashMarkazi) April 6, 2021
Once completed, the mural will be a nearly pixel-for-pixel rendition of Bernstein's legendary photograph of Bryant. The image captured Kobe as he walked off of the Staples Center floor for the final time in a 60-point, career-closing performance at the end of the 2015-16 season for the Los Angeles Lakers.
In a Feb. 20, 2020 interview with ESPN.com's Anthony Olivieri, Bernstein revealed how he got the timeless snap to perfectly encapsulate Kobe's career:
“You have to make really good friends with the security guys,” Bernstein said.
Bryant's untimely passing has brought about an incredible amount of creative outpouring not only from the city of Los Angeles, but across the world, as tributes for him, his daughter Gianna and seven other victims continue to unfurl following the helicopter crash on Jan. 26, 2020.
Among some of Never's recent, big-time work:
- A Topps Project 70 rendition of former Oakland Athletics star Coco Crisp
- A personalized painting for reigning NFL Rookie of the Year in Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert
- A Topps Project 70 rendition of Los Angeles Dodgers star Justin Turner
- And a mural of U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders, following his meme-worthy coat-and-mittens look at the 2021 Inauguration
His Kobe piece is the latest breathtaking mural and is one that will be cherished.
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