Fairfield’s new mural honors 3 role models

There’s a new mural in Birmingham, and it’s sure to leave you feeling inspired. Take a look at Fairfield’s newest mural honoring Nipsey Hussle, Kobe Bryant and Chadwick Boseman and get to know the artist behind it all.

Fairfield’s New Mural

If you’re a mural lover like myself, you’ll want to see this one in person at 5200 Valley Road, Fairfield, AL 35490. The muralist behind the beautiful portraits is Birmingham artist A. Nichel.

I caught up with A. Nichel on Friday afternoon after she had put on the finishing touches to learn more about her story and the message behind the mural.

A. Nichel and The Kloset Are Making Birmingham Beautiful

A. Nichel has been passionate about creating art and portraits that are emotionally significant since childhood. She told me one of her young memories was telling her family members to stay still so she could draw them. What started as a hobby became a flourishing passion.

She collaborated with the owner of the building, TaMarcus Pruitt, to commemorate the influential lives of Nipsey Hussle, Kobe Bryant and Chadwick Boseman. Pruitt owns The Kloset, a shop for Greek apparel and fan gear, and chose the role models and quotes for the mural.

“2020 was a hard year for everyone, but the Black community lost a lot of influential people. I collaborated with the owner of the building to commemorate [them].”

A. Nichel

Each of these men created an impact that extends outside of their fields and will encourage people for years to come.

A Mural with a Message

“I look to inspire. My favorite thing about painting the mural was kids coming out and being like, ‘Oh my goodness. That’s so cool.’ They are the future and they become the future of what they see.”

A. Nichel

This mural will be an inspiration for everyone who comes across it, but A. Nichel is especially excited about the significance it will have for children. She hopes that when they see these influential figures, they can see that anything is possible for themselves.

• Location: 5200 Valley Road, Fairfield, AL 35490
• A. Nichel Instagram | Website
• The Kloset Instagram | Website

“The highest human act is to inspire.”

Nipsey Hussle, quoted on the mural

This new mural is doing just that.

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