IN the heart of Essex, a young man named Noah, affectionately known as Background Bob, left a colourful mark on the world.
Despite battling hydrocephalus, a condition where excess fluid builds up in the brain, causing increased pressure, epilepsy and cerebral palsy, Noah’s spirit was as vibrant as the art he created.
Noah tragically passed away in November 2023 at the age of 15. His legacy, however, lives on through his artwork.
During the first Covid-19 lockdown, when schools were closed and the world was grappling with uncertainty, Noah found solace in painting. With cardboard as his canvas and a palette of bright colours, he began to express his creativity.
His father, Nathan, initially introduced him to painting as a way to pass the time, but soon realised the profound impact it was having on his son.
“I’d also like to say a big thank you for all the love and support shown to our family during these tough times,” Mr Jones said.
As Noah’s artistic endeavours grew, his father decided to share them on social media. The response was overwhelming. Street artists from around the globe reached out, offering their support and collaboration. Together, 750 artists worldwide have collaborated on a remarkable project that would see Noah’s artwork adorning stickers and murals across the globe.
“Noah left a big hole in our family and the community that we built wanted to spread his smiley face across the world,” Mr Jones said.
From the iconic Brooklyn Bridge in New York to Venice, Noah’s artwork has reached far and wide. His cheerful and optimistic spirit, captured in his artwork, has brought joy and inspiration to countless individuals.
Noah’s face has so far popped up on stickers, which were produced as part of the project and given away for free, in Buckingham Palace, at football stadiums and gigs and on monuments across the world.
Beyond its artistic significance, Noah’s project has also made a tangible difference in the lives of others. The proceeds from the sale of his artwork have been donated to the Colchester and Ipswich Hospitals Charity, supporting the hospital trust that provided him with care. This generous contribution serves as a lasting reminder to Noah’s compassion and his desire to make a positive impact on the world.
“It’s a really lovely thing for us as parents who miss our child deeply to see his face pop up in all these remarkable places and places that his condition stopped him going to in real life,” Mr Jones said.
“This is a joyous way of continuing his legacy.”
The family now plans to travel and see how many stickers they can spot in real life.
Bob’s travels can be followed on Instagram @background_bob or follow the hashtags #bemorebob and #everywherewegoyougo.
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