@helen.of.koi
helenofkoi.com
Helen Li’s art is an ode to quirkiness and celebrating the beauty of human imperfection, yet in the most playful, colorful, and optimistic way. With her funky characters and vibrant shapes, Helen made sure to bring some heat into the ‘Habanero Red’ Air Max 2090 art she created.
“I set out to create characters that felt fun, energetic and self-confident. I wanted them to be diverse and dynamic—representing people of different backgrounds without showing certain groups explicitly. That’s why I chose to create animal-human hybrids, to let viewers identify with whoever they wish, no matter the physical traits they were born with”.
“It’s about choices and self-expression. For instance, the ‘Bull’ character represents those young athletes who are fitness focused and driven, while the ‘Bat’ speaks to all those who are more laid-back and irreverent with their style and swagger”.
“You can be an experimental, carefree type—like the Shark-person character—who isn’t held back by norms or opinions. Or you can be more like the ‘Gator guy’, a rebellious skater who looks tough with their rows of teeth but is still playful and mischievous. Who you decide to be is up to you”.
