Seen: Mark Dean Veca for Kobe Prelude at Nike Vault

 1_mdv_kobe_prelude

LA-based painter Mark Dean Veca unveiled his original painting as part of Nike’s Kobe Prelude Experience at the Nike Vault in DTLA on Friday evening.  Leading up to the release of the new Kobe 9 shoes, Nike commissioned artists to create original artwork to offer their visions of special Prelude editions of the previous eight Kobe shoes, each of which celebrates a different phase or cherished moment in the hoops star’s storied career.

Mark’s painting celebrates Kobe’s MVP performance in the 2011 All Star game in front of the hometown crowd at Staples center.  MDV incorporated five stars to represent the five players on the court, several images of Kobe, his jersey, and his ‘Black Mamba’ nickname into  his signature organic linework. 

As with previous such unveilings including Tristan Eaton’s (shown above, left), Nike released 36 pairs of Nike Elite socks featuring Mark’s artwork, as well as a limited-edition Hoodie.  Congratulations to MDV and props to Nike for promoting top quality, cutting-edge artists.  Next up? Tim Biskup.