"The Adoration of Kobe Bryant"

The Adoration of Kobe Bryant is a tribute to the legacy of a great human being who walked upon the earth for a relatively short amount of time. Within that short amount of time, it seemed that Kobe lived quite a few lifetimes as well. Time is indeed relative, and if Kobe showed us anything, it's that a person can do so much in a short period of time with the correct  circumstances, dedication, relentlessness, support system, and focus. That focus is apart of what we have collectively called the "Mamba Mentality"

What Wadlington wanted to accomplish in this work of art, is to continue the path of the Legend. As Kobe looks off into the distance, we do not know exactly what he's looking at, but we do know that it seems like the heavens are rejoicing. It seems as if the gods are in a hurry to greet Kobe and touch the man who took the earthly world by storm. Challenging his mind, body , and soul, while pushing them to their limits, is what one might consider a job well done. As Kobe might put it though, "job's not finished". This is why it may look like he's thinking of what's next on his path, because every new level is the starting point for a brand new adventure: or test.

Wadlington is a fan of using references from the old masters' works , in unique ways. One reason is that it  keeps the conversations and works relevant. Another is that this will possibly open up the concepts and deeper meanings within to new audiences.

There are deeper messages and concepts woven all throughout this work, as well as all of Wadlington's more recent works over the past several years. He does not want to tell everything in this description, but just enough to spark the viewer's curiosity even more.

In an old Biblical story, there were 3 Wise men who visited the birth of a god on earth. There was a painting created titled "The Adoration of the Magi".