Jeremy Novy’s Big Fish now swimming in Fulton Plaza

For 18 years Jeremy Novy has been adding koi to the San Francisco landscape, and beginning on February 22, 2024, he will endeavor to create his largest koi mural to date in Fulton Plaza.

Part of a larger project to revitalize the space (including live music and an interactive light installation to come this spring), Jeremy has partnered with Illuminate to make this larger than life mural a reality.

The mural will consist of 2 giant koi, each ranging from ~65-70ft in length, circling the Pioneer Monument.

Inspired by a study abroad program in China, Jeremy was fascinated by artists who were taking ancient artforms and blending them with modern technology. Koi have long been an ancient symbol of courage and luck, and you can find them featured prominently throughout history in fine art, so he set out to combine this ancient symbol with the more modern medium of concrete.

18 years later and Jeremy’s passion for this process has only grown.

“To view art is a therapeutic experience, but not everyone can afford to go to a museum or sculpture garden.” Jeremy noted while discussing his projects. “Urban landscapes are filled with concrete and grayness, as adults we lose our imagination with all the gray and beige, so bringing color and art into the world, it helps our brains to activate better. Street art is really important for the community”

In addition to the mental wellness benefit, there is an environmental component to be considered. Urban spaces, filled with dark asphalt and concrete, are quickly becoming heat bubbles. Adding color through murals to help distribute that heat, is a small effort to help slow the effects of climate change in our more densely populated cities.

On a personal note, Jeremy is hoping to also inspire other artists of what can be possible when you follow your passions. Remembering earlier days where he had to create street art in secret, it seems like a fantasy to now be creating his largest mural yet, out in the open for all to enjoy.

The mural is scheduled to be finished by February 27, 2024 and will be available to view all hours in Fulton Plaza.