It’s been two weeks since the passing of Kobe Bryant, and it’s still hard for me to put into words the scope of the tragedy. I traveled to LA this past week to celebrate my birthday — the whole trip was planned months in advance, but then Kobe happened. And Gigi. And the 7 others. It’s been a roller coaster of emotions watching the news reports of Kobe’s death, watching the celebrations of Kobe’s life, and watching the highlights of Kobe’s career that were part of my own life for 20+ years. Seeing all of the murals around LA was healing. And although the reality of Kobe being gone finally settled in, meeting a fraction of some of the people he inspired and influenced put everything into perspective. His spirit and legacy lives on in these people, these families... they will tell the stories to future generations because that’s how legacy works. Thank you, Kobe, for all of the memories. Thank you and Vanessa for giving Gigi to us, even if only for a short time. Her life will undoubtedly serve to inspire a generation of young girls looking to create legends of their own. Rest in peace to everyone who lost their lives just two weeks ago, I hope your stories will continue to be told. Thank you to all of the artists in LA and beyond working to heal the hearts and souls of those affected by this tragedy. Thank you to everyone I met for trusting me with these portraits. Travel well, Mamba.
Art by Sloe, Jonas Never, Jules Muck, Mr. Brainwash, JC Ro, Vela, and Chris Chanyang Shim.