Alysa Liu: New Mural Honors Olympic Gold Medalist’s Journey & Spirit
The walls of Gardena, California are gaining a vibrant new tribute to athletic achievement and the power of self-discovery. Local artist Gustavo Zermeño Jr. Is currently completing a mural honoring ‘s Olympic gold medalist Alysa Liu, a 20-year-old figure skater whose journey to the podium resonated far beyond the ice rink.
Liu’s victories at the Milan-Cortina Olympics – a gold in women’s singles, ending a 24-year drought for American women in the event, and another as part of the winning team competition – immediately captured public attention. But for Zermeño, the inspiration ran deeper than athletic success. He saw in Liu a reflection of his own experiences as a first-generation American navigating identity and finding strength in authenticity.
“Obviously her winning gold was the main factor” in choosing Liu as the subject, Zermeño explained. “But once I learned more about her life, I found inspiration in other aspects. Her two-year retirement starting at age 16, her enrollment at UCLA, and her decision to express herself in her own way… those things really spoke to me.”
Zermeño, himself the son of Mexican immigrants, recognized a shared experience in Liu’s background. “She’s first-generation American, just like myself,” he said. “So I feel like that tie, her going to UCLA, her stopping skating for awhile and then jumping back in and more being herself – you know, growing up in Venice, I feel like that’s what kind of made me an artist. Venice allowed me to be myself, be wacky on the boardwalk, artists, performers, stuff like that.”
The mural, taking shape on a wall outside Coe’s Glass &. Mirror at
15532 Crenshaw Blvd, is more than just a celebratory portrait. It’s a visual narrative of Liu’s multifaceted journey. Zermeño intends to incorporate three distinct images of the skater: two depicting her in action on the ice, and a central, larger-than-life headshot taken during the medal ceremony. It’s this latter image that holds particular significance.
The photograph captures Liu with a radiant smile, playfully pretending to take a bite out of her gold medal. It’s a moment of uninhibited joy, and it also showcases Liu’s distinctive “smiley” piercing – a small detail that has become emblematic of her personality. Zermeño believes this image encapsulates the skater’s spirit.
“I like that it’s a little rough around the edges, but beautiful at the same time,” Zermeño said, describing the portrait. “I think it really represents her personality and where she’s from, the Bay Area. And so I feel like it just looks, you know, a little hood but at the same time, her being a figure skater, has that softness to it. And that’s kind of what I wanted.”
The project came together quickly, facilitated by a serendipitous connection. Zermeño, while driving near his home, identified the wall as an ideal canvas. He discovered he already had a casual acquaintance with Alex Lopez, the owner of Coe’s Glass & Mirror. Lopez, initially unaware of Zermeño’s artistic talent, immediately approved the project after viewing samples of his work and a digital rendering of the mural concept.
“I mean, I probably should have gone up the chain of command and asked the landlord’s permission, but I knew it was going to come out amazing,” Lopez admitted. “I just said, ‘Let’s go for it.’ The landlord came by this morning and loved the piece. He was really glad that we did it.”
The mural’s creation is a testament to the power of community support and the resonance of Liu’s story. It’s a visual affirmation of her accomplishments, but also a celebration of her individuality and the courage to forge one’s own path. Liu’s decision to step away from competitive skating at just 16, only to return with renewed focus and a gold medal, speaks to a resilience that resonates with many.
The timing of the mural is particularly poignant. Figure skating, while consistently popular, often experiences surges in public interest following the Olympics. Liu’s performance in Milan-Cortina has undoubtedly sparked a new wave of enthusiasm for the sport, and her story is likely to inspire a new generation of skaters. However, Liu’s impact extends beyond the athletic realm.
Her openness about her experiences as a first-generation American, coupled with her unapologetic embrace of her own style, positions her as a role model for young people navigating their own identities. The mural, serves as a powerful symbol of representation and empowerment.
“I think it’s amazing what she was able to accomplish in the Olympics,” Lopez said. “It’s amazing for the United States and just for California. I’m honored to have her mural here. I feel like it represents the community and our business really well.”
Zermeño anticipates completing the mural early next week. It promises to be a striking addition to the Gardena landscape, a lasting tribute to an athlete who has captured the hearts of many, and a visual reminder that success is often born from authenticity and the courage to be oneself. The mural isn’t just about celebrating a gold medal; it’s about celebrating the journey, the resilience, and the unique spirit of Alysa Liu.