13. K O B E

Piece description from the artist

Dear Kobe,

I had just finished reading The Untethered Soul when you, Gigi, and friends passed. This moment, like the novel, reminded me about the inevitability of death and to live each day as though tomorrow may not come. The unpredictability of when it is our time.

You are The Man I have been chasing my entire life. Your work ethic. Drive. Hunger. A father-figure who I praised on the court and attained so much wisdom of how one develops from a Knight to a King. Vanessa must be the most pure form of support.

Remember that season you injured your shoulder and turned ambidextrous, shooting with your left hand during recovery? That is not normal. When you dropped 81 points on the Raptors, I spent the entire day at the gym. The lob to Shaq in 2000. Memories.

Of course, we were all there for your final NBA game. Though, the greatest part about that was seeing your transition into life’s next stage. You and Gigi courtside in Brooklyn, looking like two sports analysts, made me smile. She was so damn gorgeous.

Instead of reactively showing compassion toward those I love solely out of sorrow for this moment, I will make a promise to you and myself. To never forget that the time I have remaining in my own life is not of privilege but a one-way opportunity to happiness.

You are the GOAT. What you provided for young women post-retirement will continue to prosper in your name. My heartfelt admiration goes beyond the basketball player. You are my role model for what a great Father is. Thank you for that.

Sincerely,
Xynn Tii

Other works by Xynn Tii

About Xynn Tii

New York, NY

Xynn Tii is Creative & Curatorial Director, Architectural Designer, and Partnerships Executive in New York City. Xynn earned a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Arts and Bachelor of Science in Psychology at the University of West Florida with an emphasis in Corporate Leadership.

As Head of Partnerships Brand & Creative at Art Basel, he led global partnerships art exhibitions, programming, and creative campaigns at international fairs. He oversaw strategic acquisitions for art collections and executed interior designs and immersive brand activations to resonate with global audiences.

His ability to produce creative assets, including photography, films, and 3D renderings, ensured curatorial standards. Additionally, he negotiated partnerships and contracts that drove B2B growth while aligning with overarching marketing and sales strategies.

As Principal & Creative Director at The Creative House, he managed large-scale creative and design projects for clients in luxury hospitality, real estate, commercial, culture, and destination sectors, blending digital content production with architectural design to develop on-brand environments.

Xynn earned a LEED AP Interior Design & Construction certification in 2015. He became a private pilot of single engine land aircraft and remote drone pilot awarded by Federal Aviation Administration in 2017. He holds professional training in hospitality sales & marketing and real estate development marketing.

See Xynn's portfolio here
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