Artist Jeremy Novy, known for koi fish stencils in Bay Area, discusses hidden meanings and Chinese symbolism behind his street art. Explore themes of perseverance, transformation, and community pride through his colorful murals. Learn how art serves as therapy for mental health and creates a sense of belonging in the urban landscape.
Koi fish street art in the Bay Area encodes hidden Chinese lucky numbers symbolizing perseverance and transformation.
Jeremy Novy's Koi art incorporates symbolic numbers and colors representing themes like strength, prosperity, and overcoming obstacles.
Deep dives
The Origin and Ubiquity of Koi Art in the Bay Area
Koi fish street art has become a common sight across the Bay Area, capturing the attention of residents and visitors alike. Inspired by the bright and vibrant colors of these fish, people like Leif Kuchera, an interior designer and watercolor artist, have been intrigued by the widespread appearance of these playful koi swimming in unexpected urban spaces. The artist behind this phenomenon, Jeremy Novey, reveals that his inspiration stems from the Cultural Revolution in China, where hidden Chinese lucky numbers were embedded in Koi paintings to preserve their culture. Each Koi design carries a unique meaning, symbolizing concepts like perseverance, happiness, and transformation.
The Symbolism and Influence of Koi Numbers and Colors
Jeremy Novey's Koi art incorporates specific numbers and colors, each carrying symbolic significance in Chinese culture. The number of Koi fish painted together represents various themes, such as perseverance, happiness, and the stages of life. For instance, one Koi symbolizes strength and overcoming obstacles, while the color black absorbs negativity. Golden Koi are associated with prosperity, and the color orange pays homage to the California poppy and San Francisco Giants. These symbolic elements add layers of meaning to the art and create a deeper connection with viewers.
Impact and Perception of Street Art in Public Spaces
Jeremy Novey's Koi art serves a dual purpose as a therapeutic outlet for the artist and a source of comfort and peace for viewers in public spaces. By incorporating reflective glass beads in his larger Koi murals, Novey adds a luminous touch to his art, creating a visually stunning experience for passersby. The evolution of his art from hidden alleyways to prominent city areas reflects a shift towards public recognition and appreciation. Novey's belief that art should bring solace to people's daily lives underscores the role of street art in fostering community connection and emotional well-being.
There's a hidden meaning behind the koi fish stencils, which can be found all over the Bay Area, and in some other cities too. In this episode, reporter Tamuna Chkareuli introduces us to artist Jeremy Novy's, the artist behind the koi, and we learn how to decode the hidden message within each design.
This story was reported by Tamuna Chkareuli. This episode of Bay Curious was made by Olivia Allen-Price, Tamuna Chkareul, Pauline Bartolone, Katrina Schwartz and Christopher Beale. Additional support from Cesar Saldana, Jen Chien, Katie Sprenger, Maha Sanad, Xorje Oliveras, Paul Lancour, Katie Fruit, Lusen Mendel, Jasmine Garnett, Joshua Ling, Holly Kernan and the whole KQED family.
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