Painter and muralist Eduardo Kobra, in a project made possible by Audi Brazil, is preparing a tribute to the city of São Paulo: a mural depicting Ayrton Senna, which will be unveiled on November 10, on the same week the Brazilian F1 Grand Prix takes place.
In a panel 41 meters high by 15,5meters wide, the renowned São Paulo-born muralist, and a pioneer of street-art in the state capitol, portrays an expressive close-up of the driver in vibrant colors and modern geometric shapes.
The mural, which Will take a little more than two weeks to be completed, will adorn a residential building in one of the most emblematic regions of São Paulo, the corner of Paulista and Consoloção avenues. Kobra and his team are working on the mural every day, from 8 AM to 7 PM, in order to finish the piece in time.
“I’ve dreamed for a long time to paint a mural about this example of talent, determination and overcoming of obstacles. He’s certainly the person I’ve painted the most in my life – around ten small to mid-size murals, besides a painting on canvas. Even though I don’t follow sports, Senna has always been one of my greatest idols. It’s an honor, for me, to paint a huge mural in Sao Paulo having this amazing Paulistano and Brazilian man as its subject”, says Kobra, who has already painted a mural for Speedland, the biggest go-kart complex in the country, also in honor of the national idol.
Besides the driver’s likeness, the artist has also painted an Audi A3 Sedan with the same graphic motif as the panel. The vehicle will be on display at the Audi Lounge, on Oscar Freire Street, during the unveiling and will then travel around the country for the brand’s events and promotions. Afterwards, the car will be auctioned and its proceedings will be donated to the Ayrton Senna Institute.
The driver, considered na international motor sports legend and the holder of the record for most pole positions at the Brazilian GP (six in total), was responsible for bringing the German car manufacturer to the Brazilian market in 1993.
“It’s an honor to be offering São Paulo this gift. Besides being an international sports idol, Senna had a vital role in Audi’s story in Brazil, and this tribute couldn’t have come at a better time. We’ve just started building the A3 Sedan in the country. So, the mural will act as a reminder of our brand’s trajectory and as a confirmation of our continued success”, says Jörg Hofmann, President and CEO of Audi Brazil.
The mural will be unveiled on the week that São Paulo hosts the Brazilian F1 GP, a race won by Ayrton Senna in 1991 and 1993 at the Interlagos raceway. The project started being conceived on October 21 – the 25th anniversary of the driver’s second title in the main category of worldwide motor sports.
“I’m sure the “A Lenda do Brasil” [“Brasil’s Legend”] mural Will become a landmark in the city and a tourist attraction in one of the most visited regions of the city , catching the eye of São Paulo residents and tourists from other states and countries alike. I’m sure the mural is going to please not only Ayrton’s and motor sports fans, but also all art lovers”, says Bianca Senna, the Ayrton Senna institute’s Branding Director.
