There are not many athletes who can match the popularity and legacy of NBA legend Michael Jordan. Despite being retired for almost two decades, he is still impactful as ever. So much so that even just his signature is worth millions of dollars.
Recently, a Filipino artist experienced this firsthand. Christian Oliver Talampas is a charcoal artist and a huge fan of the Chicago Bulls legend as well. Talampas created a painting of Michael Jordan’s iconic game-winner against the Utah Jazz in Game 6 of the 1998 NBA Finals in his signature style.
The painting looks terrific and Talampas urged fans all around the globe to help him in making this painting reach none other than ‘His Airness.’ Well, his dream came true as not only did the painting reach Michael, he also signed the original artwork and sent it back to Christian with a bunch of other gifts as well.
Christian couldn’t believe it as he expressed his happiness about it in an interview.
Via GMA News Online:
Michael Jordan asked for my original artwork because he liked it. I sent it at once. It’s hard to believe. I was expecting just a picture of him holding [the piece] but he gave me so much more. They said this will help my career as an artist.”
(Note: The video is not in English)
As Christian mentioned, he wasn’t expecting such a huge gesture from Mike. Apart from receiving this gesture from Jordan, it seems like Christian can also turn this piece of art into great earning as well.
According to a journalist, Julius Babao, this artwork with MJ’s signature is worth nearly 50 million PHP (around $960K). But knowing how sports fans are, it will be a surprise if he decides to sell this artwork. You can watch the full video posted by Babao on YouTube below.
Note: This video is not in English.
Update: We firstly reported that this art is worth $24 Million. This info wasn’t accurate, as we made a mistake doing the conversion. The painting is worth around $960K. We are sorry for the inconvenience, and thanks our fans for helping us correct this information.
