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Kobra´s Mural Brings Louis Armstrong Back to Life in New Orleans

Kobra´s Mural Brings Louis Armstrong Back to Life in New Orleans

By Alejandra Guzman

Click aqui para español- > El mural de Eduardo Kobra que ha revivido a Louis Armstrong en Nueva Orleans

Culture builds strong communities and plays an important part in the rejuvenation of cities and the transformation of the ordinary into extraordinary. It also creates a sense of belonging and pride within a community.

New Orleans is the example of a unique American City that emerged from a cross-pollination of multiple cultures to create its own. The manifestations of the city’s culture can be appreciated in buildings and spaces, music and dance, social traditions, and cuisine. For centuries, New Orleans artists have captivated the nation and the world with their different forms of art. Residents feel proud to be part of such a unique city, and why wouldn’t we? There is a lot to be proud of! No other city can call itself the birthplace of jazz and be recognized as the bounce capital of the world.

Louis Armstrong is a prime example of this. Nicknamed “Satchmo” and later “Ambassador Satch,” Armstrong became internationally known for his charismatic stage presence, trumpet-playing style and unique voice. He was born August 4, 1901, in New Orleans, and every year the city commemorates his birthday with the Satchmo SummerFest, organized by French Quarter Festivals Inc. The first annual Satchmo SummerFest took place on what would have been his 100th birthday; that same year, the New Orleans airport was renamed the Louis Armstrong International Airport.

This year´s celebration was extra special, as globally known muralist Eduardo Kobra payed homage to our city´s cultural icon. On the week of Armstrong´s birthday, Kobra finished a fascinating mural on the corner of Gravier and O´Keefe, commissioned by developers ERG Enterprises and Kupperman Companies. His signature style brings Armstrong to life, using a collage of bright colors and geometric shapes in lieu of natural skin tones while depicting naturalistic shadow and light to create a photorealistic masterwork. Kobra’s mural has made this corner the epicenter of color for the neighborhood and brought a beloved historical figure back to life.

Kobra is known for depicting notable people around the world, including Russia, Great Britain, Brazil, Japan, Switzerland, France, Greece, Italy, and Mexico, to name a few. Kobra was born in the Campo Limpio region, near Sao Paulo, Brazil. Influenced by street culture, hip hop, and graffiti, he has now taken the world as his stage to prove that there is equal value between street art and fine art. Many believe there is greater value in street art, as it contributes to positive urban transformation, democratizes art, and has the possibility to raise awareness on the most critical social and economic issues of our time.

¡Until next time!

Last August, on the week of Louis Armstrong´s birthday, Brazilian muralist Kobra finished this fascinating mural in New Orleans on the corner of Gravier and O´Keefe streets. The mural was commissioned by developers ERG Enterprises and Kupperman Companies.

Photography: Matthew Seymour

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Alejandra Guzman

Writer/Escritora 

Economic Development/Desarrollo Economico

@aleguzman

Mexico

Economic Development

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