Renowned as one of the foremost figures in urban art, the visual artist Eduardo Kobra unveiled a mural dedicated to the 30-year legacy of Ayrton Senna at the Miami Autodrome in the United States on Thursday, May 2nd.
Located at the Hard Rock Stadium and supported by Senna Brands, the mural, standing at 8 meters high and 11 meters wide, portrays the striking gaze of the Brazilian racing driver along with his iconic yellow, green, and blue helmet. Within the artwork, Senna is depicted with both hands clasped together, symbolizing prayer and peace.
“Throughout my career, I’ve had the privilege of painting murals in various parts of the world, some of them depicting Senna himself, but few projects hold as much significance for me as this one. Senna’s legacy transcends the realm of sports and continues to impact generations, and it’s an honor to contribute to preserving his memory in such a meaningful way,” stated the artist regarding the piece.
The niece of the three-time champion and CEO of Senna Brands, Bianca Senna, attended the ceremony. “Kobra is a great artist who projects Ayrton’s image to the world. This mural in Miami is very touching for us and for the fans, providing a new point of visitation to celebrate the memory of our champion. It also reflects the recognition that Ayrton has in the United States, a country that, during his racing days, didn’t follow the sport with as much interest as it does today,” she commented.
Kobra will also inaugurate the exhibition “Ayrton Senna: 30 Years of Missing You,” featuring canvases that evoke the history and contributions made by the racing icon to generations worldwide. The exhibit will take place at the Premium Paddock Club from Friday, May 3rd, to Sunday, May 5th, coinciding with the Miami Grand Prix races.
“I am deeply grateful to Ayrton Senna’s family and the Ayrton Senna Institute for entrusting me with this important task. I understand the responsibility I carry and always devote all my talent and passion to create a work that truly honors the legacy of this great Brazilian”, he added.
Kobra and Senna: a story of tributes
An admirer of Senna’s journey, the visual artist painted his first major mural depicting one of Brazil’s greatest idols in 2015. Situated at the corner of Avenida Paulista and Rua da Consolação in São Paulo, the piece also captures Senna’s iconic gaze and helmet. The unveiling took place days before the Formula 1 Brazilian Grand Prix, an annual event held at the Interlagos Autodrome.
Four years later, Kobra created a mural at the Imola Circuit in Italy, the site of Senna’s tragic death on May 1st, 1994, during the San Marino Grand Prix. Spanning 21 meters in length and 7 meters in height, the artwork depicts Senna gazing towards the sky with his fingers pointing upwards, a nod to race celebrations.
The piece also pays tribute to the Austrian driver Roland Ratzenberger, who passed away in Imola one day before the Brazilian icon. “Ayrton Senna was a winner both on and off the track. I enjoy portraying him because he embodies faith, persistence, and determination: a hero who has inspired and continues to inspire people worldwide,” remarked Kobra.
In 2020, to commemorate the 80th anniversary of Interlagos, Kobra painted a mural depicting Senna’s memorable victory at the 1991 Brazilian Grand Prix – the pilot’s first major triumph in the country. Measuring 27 meters in height and 10 meters in width, the artwork portrays the Formula 1 champion raising the trophy on the podium. The occasion was also historic as Senna won the race using only the sixth gear.
