Fresno artist creates stunning mural of Kobe Bryant, daughter Gianna

Friday, January 31, 2020
Fresno artist creates stunning mural of Kobe Bryant, daughter Gianna
A Fresno muralist is paying tribute to Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gianna as the world continues to mourn them and the seven others killed in a helicopter crash.

FRESNO, Calif. -- As the world continues to mourn the loss of the victims, local muralist, Omar "Super" Huerta is paying tribute to Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gianna through art.

On this night, his emotions were expressed through artwork as he spray painted the face of his idol on the side of a central Fresno building.

As he braved the cold temperatures, honoring the NBA legend who was killed in a tragic helicopter crash, a large crowd was standing feet away on Blackstone and Grant.

Some of them were in Lakers jerseys, many held candles.

All of them were taking part in the special moment, despite their differences.

It's not the first time Super has showcased his work in this way...

Last year, he did two murals of Derek Carr and Jose Ramirez.

But this mural he says is personal, because he's a parent to three little boys.

"Seeing the age his daughter was in and what she was doing looking up to her father, it's something I see my kids doing not only the basketball side but as a father. That's what got to me the most," he said.

Over the next three days, Super will continue painting.

When the clock struck 8:24 p.m. - a time that represents Kobe's two jerseys: numbers 8 and 24 - his fans here showed their love for him by chanting his name: 'Kobe', 'Kobe', 'Kobe'!