This new mural honors the life and work of Nick Oza: 'He's loved by Arizona'

Nick Oza spent his career photographing others. 

It's what the two-time Pulitzer Prize-winning Arizona Republic photographer loved to do. And he did so, passionately and humbly, until he died on Sept. 27, 2021 as a result of injuries suffered in a car accident. 

Now a mural commemorating Oza will be on display in the city he came to call home. The painting honoring him as a friend, photographer and servant to the Arizona community, will be celebrated starting at 4 p.m., Saturday, March 26, Joshua Lott, one of the event organizers, said. 

"He touched a lot of people and he wanted to help people," Lott said. "He almost never said no. He was this kindhearted, gentle, sweet human being who wanted to be there for others and support the community of photojournalism and photography. He was an amazing human being who gave a lot to Phoenix and the state of Arizona. People who love him and embrace him can come out and share their stories with him. He was a superhero."

Working with Nick Oza:His camera, his talent and his passion

The story behind the mural 

Muralist Lucinda "La Morena" Hinojos met Nick Oza in 2015 when she painted her first mural on Grand Avenue — a piece that championed immigration rights. Oza was one of the first photographers to come down and see her mural. They became fast friends. 

As their friendship grew, Hinojos began painting based on Oza's photographs, turning some into fine art and others into murals.

"I was so inspired by his work," Hinojos said. 

They shared a passion for the Mexican American community, Hinojos said.

In 2017, they hung their works in the same gallery for a joint show. Watching Oza unwrap his photos for the exhibition is one of her favorite memories, Hinojos recalls. 

"He put the white gloves on and he was showing me his work," Hinojos said. "It was magical to see and I was so excited and in awe to see those photographs come out of those tubes." 

They were friends until the end.

After Oza died, Lott — a fellow photojournalist and close friend to Oza since 2009 — began fundraising for the mural. They were like brothers, Lott said, though Oza also took on the role of a father figure for him.

After seeing a post on social media which featured Hinojos' work, he reached out and asked if she would paint the mural. He had no idea she and Oza had been close friends. 

The stars aligned, Hinojos said, smiling. 

"We laughed and would say, 'That's so Nick. Nick is already chiming in.'"

'He's loved by Arizona'

Painting the mural was as painful as it was beautiful, Hinojos said. Often she felt overwhelmed.

"I wasn't just painting a mural, I was painting my friend who was inspiring to many and was a mentor to so many young photographers," Hinojos said, in tears. 

But she did the project with the help of her two sons and the lmuralist "Just" (also known as Giovannie), who collaborated with Hinojos on the project. They worked together for three weeks.

Before she created the mural draft, she prayed and asked Oza to help and guide her with the design. And before Hinojos began work, a friend blessed it.

A red tail hawk flew around the mural, too. Hinojos said she believed the bird came to bless the wall as well.

'Hope, Love and Peace'

The mural will be dedicated six months after Oza's passing. 

The piece features Oza in a purple linen shirt, camera in hand and wearing a fedora, a signature accessory. To his left are candles, marigolds and the lotus flower in commemoration of his roots in Mumbai, India where he grew up. To his right is an illustration of border walls with the words, "Hope," "Love," and "Peace." 

The right side represents his love for the immigrant communities that he photographed so much, Hinojos said.

"He cared about the people he photographed," she said. He was compassionate and he showed that in his work. He's loved by Arizona."  

The ceremony will be a time to celebrate Nick's life, but it will also a time to mourn, Lott said. When Oza died, his family held a private funeral due to the pandemic. Now, the mural is open for all to come pay their respects. 

"It's a place where people can go and mourn," Lott said. "I thought, 'a mural would be perfect.' People can show up any time they want and embrace the mural and just think about him."

Nick Oza mural dedication  

When: 4-7:30 p.m. Saturday, March 26. 

Where: 1819 W. McDowell Road, Phoenix. Parking will be available along 18th Avenue and Willetta Street. No Parking will be allowed in the the parking lot where the mural is located. 

Details: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/celebrating-the-life-of-nick-oza-tickets-290912305537?aff=erelexpmlt7152554001

Reach the reporter at sofia.krusmark@gannett.com. Follow her on Instagram @sofia.krusmark