VIVA NOLA September 2019

Kobra´s Mural Brings Louis Armstrong
back to life in New Orleans
Story: Alejandra Guzmán @aleguzman
Photography: Matthew Seymour
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 crosspollination
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!
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