Plastic Gallery presented on August 24, 2020, Kobe Bryant by American Artist Michael Muller. An exhibition of never before seen photographs of Kobe Bryant shot by Muller throughout the last decade. The viewing is on display from August 24, 2020, (National Kobe Bryant Day) through September 24, 2020. Michael Muller along with Plastic Gallery will be donating a portion of proceeds to benefit The GENESIS Foundation in Kobe Bryant’s name. This is the first release of Muller’s MAMBA series.
Known for his complex and profound body of work, Muller captures Kobe’s raw emotions as the legendary athlete proudly dawns his Los Angeles Lakers jersey for one of the last times before retirement. For Muller, these photographs embody the icon that is Kobe Bryant. His glare, his fierceness, and his competitive spirit are felt by viewers creating an everlasting opportunity to experience Kobe’s greatness through photographs.
This body of work celebrates the power, strength, and warmth of Kobe. With images so stunning that when the world heard of Kobe’s tragic passing, TIME magazine selected Muller’s Black and White image of Kobe bowing as their commemorative cover. Muller’s The Bow evokes an emotional response and serves for many as Kobe’s last goodbye.
Using high contrast black and white photography for his portraitures, Muller captures the essence of number 8/24. Of the series, Michael said, “Kobe was a one-of-a-kind basketball player, a loving father, a thoughtful husband and a dynamic human being that impacted so many lives. It was an honor and a privilege to create art with him.”
Together, Michael Muller and Plastic Gallery will donate a portion of proceeds from all sales to GENESIS. GENESIS provides quality STEAM learning to diverse communities of underserved youth in Los Angeles. GENESIS gives students unprecedented forms of access and opportunity to 21st Century skills, through programs using art and technology to demonstrate critical thinking and creative problem-solving. These tools are the currency for higher education and employment. Muller currently hosts exclusive Virtual Reality (VR) Design Studios, and mentors our students with hands-on experience with GoPro Fusion 360 Cameras and the Oculus Go. Each session utilizes contemporary art techniques and cutting edge fabrication equipment in the Genesis Lab to imagine and build future ocean prototypes and stories.
Please join the conversation with Plastic Gallery on Instagram (@PlasticGallery) via the hashtag #824KobeByrant .
