Checkmate: How Nils Westergard’s Chess Mural Was Inspired by a Winning Move, Virginia

Nils Westergard is a Virginia-born street artist who has made a name for himself with his breathtaking murals across the state. Born and raised in the suburbs of Richmond, Nils has been creating art since he was a child. Nils Westergard’s Chess Mural in Harrisonburg, Virginia, is a beautiful black-and-white mural that is rooted in a captivating tale of friendship, competition, and artistic inspiration.

In 2018, Nils created the mural as a stencilled canvas featuring a local man named Michael, who shared a weekly chess game ritual with Nils during his time living in Richmond and still continues to play chess with him when Nils visits from Amsterdam.

Nils Westergard ‘Michael’ Chess Mural, Virginia. Image Copyright Nils Westergard

Michael’s unique request for Nils to create the mural only after he won a game of chess set the stage for the artwork’s inception. However, Nils didn’t use the winning move for the mural. Instead, he ran the game back a few moves for the source photo, which then became the inspiration for the mural.

Nils Westergard ‘Michael’ Chess Mural, Virginia. Image Copyright Nils Westergard

The chess player depicted in the mural appears lost in thought as he contemplates his next move. However, what makes this mural truly stunning are the intricate details, such as the juggling of chess pieces and the backdrop of the moon and stars. Nils’s expertise in playing with light and shadow is impressive; he creates a sense of depth and makes the chessboard look as if it is projected out of the wall.

Nils Westergard ‘Michael’ Chess Mural, Virginia. Image Copyright Nils Westergard

The mural is a fitting nod to the game’s competitive nature and the winning move that Michael used to inspire the painting’s creation.

Nils Westergard ‘Michael’ Chess Mural, Virginia. Image Copyright Nils Westergard

Despite the brutal cold and windy weather conditions during the mural’s creation, Nils persevered to deliver a work of art in Harrisonburg, Virginia.

Nils Westergard ‘Michael’ Chess Mural, Virginia. Image Copyright Nils Westergard

Nils Westergard’s Chess Mural in Harrisonburg, Virginia, is an incredible work of art that tells a story of friendship, competition, and artistic inspiration.

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