The main symbol of A contre-courant, the koi carp, in Japan, represents love. Indeed, the word “koi” in Japanese can mean both “carp” and “love”. In Chinese culture, they show the way to a life always in tune with reality, and are also a popular symbol of success and prosperity. Known to us mainly for their depictions in Japanese prints and paintings by the great masters who adore them, they also embody bravery, perseverance, determination, courage and strength, as they swim up rivers against the current. According to Chinese legend, the carp of the Yellow River, after swimming upstream, managed to reach the top of the waterfall, leap over it and fly skywards, transforming themselves into dragons. In Japan, this story is said to be the origin of koi-nobori (carp streamers), which represent the whole family swimming against the current, setting an example of courage for future generations.
The fable of the carp bravely swimming upstream resonates with me on a number of levels. Not least the fact that some of the principles of art are precisely to resist against all odds, to take the opposite tack, to experiment, to dare new experiences and not to be afraid of stepping out of one’s comfort zone. And, as I see it, one of the roles of artists is to educate audiences by shaking them up in their everyday lives. All these powerful symbols naturally led me to the representation of this shoal of multicoloured fish levitating in the middle of the water...
An accessible, colorful, moving, inclusive and positive image.
Installed as part of the Entre-Lacs Festival, Villeneuve d'Ascq, France, June & July 2024.
The main symbol of A contre-courant, the koi carp, in Japan, represents love. Indeed, the word “koi” in Japanese can mean both “carp” and “love”. In Chinese culture, they show the way to a life always in tune with reality, and are also a popular symbol of success and prosperity. Known to us mainly for their depictions in Japanese prints and paintings by the great masters who adore them, they also embody bravery, perseverance, determination, courage and strength, as they swim up rivers against the current. According to Chinese legend, the carp of the Yellow River, after swimming upstream, managed to reach the top of the waterfall, leap over it and fly skywards, transforming themselves into dragons. In Japan, this story is said to be the origin of koi-nobori (carp streamers), which represent the whole family swimming against the current, setting an example of courage for future generations.
The fable of the carp bravely swimming upstream resonates with me on a number of levels. Not least the fact that some of the principles of art are precisely to resist against all odds, to take the opposite tack, to experiment, to dare new experiences and not to be afraid of stepping out of one’s comfort zone. And, as I see it, one of the roles of artists is to educate audiences by shaking them up in their everyday lives. All these powerful symbols naturally led me to the representation of this shoal of multicoloured fish levitating in the middle of the water...
An accessible, colorful, moving, inclusive and positive image.
Installed as part of the Entre-Lacs Festival, Villeneuve d'Ascq, France, June & July 2024.