Cecilia Moran, the owner of Hardcore Fitness finds herself in a heart-wrenching battle to preserve a mural paying tribute to NBA legend Kobe Bryant and his 13-year-old daughter Gianna. The mural, an iconic symbol of hope and resilience for the city, now faces removal due to a request from her landlord.
The gym is situated just blocks away from the Crypto.com Arena, where Kobe made history during his 20-season career with the Lakers. Moran, who moved to Los Angeles from Peru and started Hardcore Fitness, recalls how the mural became a symbol of hope and unity.
She funded the mural project personally, investing an estimated $2,500 in supplies and equipment. The artist, Louie Palsino, contributed his talent and effort for free. “I don’t know what else can happen, you know,” says Moran.
LAKESHOW CELEBRATIONS 🟣🟡🏀🏆
Los Angeles Lakers fans gathered outside the Staples Center and a mural of the late Lakers legend Kobe Bryant with his daughter Gianna to celebrate the team’s 17th NBA championship.
📷: Getty Images via AFP/Brandon Bell pic.twitter.com/mfXOuGSUzV
— Philstar.com (@PhilstarNews) October 12, 2020
“Obviously, it’s scary to speak out because it may cost me my business. And as an immigrant who arrived in this country with nothing and started a new life, it is hard, but I am standing today, strong, and I do want to preserve the mural”.
The mural, larger than life, stretches across an entire wall of Hardcore Fitness at 400 W. Pico Blvd., portraying Kobe and Gigi with angelic wings and halo-like glows around their heads.
However, Moran’s landlord has different plans for the wall space, aiming to use it for advertising. In a recent email, Moran was given a deadline of September 30th to remove the tribute. Thereby, putting her in a difficult position.
The late Kobe Bryant mural is only a few blocks away from Crypto.com
The muralist created this masterpiece less than a week after the helicopter tragedy. Moran was approached by the artist, who was inspired by a loving photo of Kobe and Gianna. “I fell in love with the idea of having [Kobe] looking after Gigi,” said Moran.
She had lost her own father the previous year. “I feel that’s how my father was looking after me, so I said, ‘Yes, let’s do it'”. The mural quickly gained international recognition and became a place of pilgrimage for Kobe‘s fans worldwide.
While Cecilia Moran faces the possibility of financial repercussions, she remains determined to fight for what she believes in. She is reaching out to the community, Lakers fans, Vanessa Bryant, and local authorities to rally support.
The mural serves as a lasting tribute to Bryant, who not only left an indelible mark on the NBA but also inspired countless individuals, including Cecilia Moran, to pursue their dreams and stand up for what they believe in.
The battle to save this iconic piece of art continues, with Moran and the community determined to ensure that Kobe and Gianna’s legacy lives on.
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