Nick Lee Next Artist Featured on feverdream Mural
Nick Lee posed in front of his mural titled This Yokai is a Ningyo.
On March 28th it was time to rotate out the feverdream mural in Gordon Square, so we did just that. The approximately 38 foot tall mural was installed on The Shoreway building on W. 76th Street in Battery Park, right on the outskirts of the Gordon Square Arts District. The previous mural featured the work of Sakurako Reed, our third resident artist. The day after install we were able to meet with the artist behind the beautiful mural, Nick Lee, at the site of his new mural.
This Yokai is a Ningyo shot from the air.
This Yokai is a Ningyo depicts a hand holding a doll, presumably a Ken doll, with the head switched for a Japanese doll’s head. The doll is wearing bright shimmering clothing, that resembles a mermaid. This is confirmed as a “ningyo” is a human fish hybrid in Japanese literature (while a “yokai” is a class of supernatural entities). This mural is very introspective and places the viewer in the position as the figure examining the doll. There is a strong mixing of Japanese culture and nostalgic American culture that the artist is examining has examined as a biracial person. It can be assumed Nick wants the viewers to do the same for themselves, and to step into his shoes.
Something that was mentioned by Jala Forest for Cleveland Magazine in regards to this mural was that for her the painting reminded her of how she felt during the mixed reactions to surrounding Halle Bailey’s casting in The Little Mermaid (2023). It reminded her of where she fits into American culture as a black woman. This goes to show the important discourse that derives from under the masterfully painted surface of the of Nick’s mural.
We really hope you enjoy this mural as it shines its neon yellow glow and lights up the neighborhood!
Watch this video of the install! Very big shoutout to West Camp Press, Inc. team for allowing us to fly drones and attach a camera to the basket of the installers. Enjoy!
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