MURALIZATION
WHAT IS MURAL ART?
Lviv is a colourful city and the buildings are no different. All over Lviv you will find eye catching murals painted directly on the walls. The word "mural" originates from the Latin word "murus", meaning "wall".
In mural art the architectural elements of the building and surrounding are harmoniously integrated into the image and the use of colour and design can alter the sensation of spatial proportions of the building. In addition, mural is the only painting technique that is three-dimensional since it partakes in and modifies a given space.
Another fundamental characteristic of mural art is the broad public significance. The artist often works with a social, religious or patriotic message in reference both to the structural exigencies of the building and to the idea expressed.
One of the most important aims of art is to raise social themes.
Murals are a very cool way to express your idea.
Taras Dovhaliuk, street artist and founder of Farbovanyi Lys
Murals are a very cool way to express your idea.
Taras Dovhaliuk, street artist and founder of Farbovanyi Lys
"We realize that murals are popular all over the world, so we also want to increase their number in Lviv. We have created a concept in which street art is part of the city's development. We do not set any boundaries for artists, we don't tell them what to paint. Of course, the sketches are pre-agreed, but not from an aesthetic point of view, rather according to how they integrate with the building's facade. We coordinate all the projects with the city's main architect. We try to promote interesting constructions, not only in the center, but also in other parts of the city. There are many industrial areas we want to restore - and street artists are helping us with that."
Halyna Hrynyk, Head of Tourism Office in Lviv
Halyna Hrynyk, Head of Tourism Office in Lviv
FROM DA VINCI TO URBAN ART
Murals hold great significance for humankind, as they are a reflection of life activities, everyday scenery and religious traditions of the time they were created in, leaving important footprints of the diversity of cultures during the different time periods.
The history of professional mural art can be spotted all the way back to the Romans. In Pompeii and Ostia almost every building was painted in unified, decorative schemes that included a wide spectrum of pictures, including landscapes and figured scenes.
Nevertheless, the concentration of mural art has in no other period in history been more comprehensive than during the Renaissance in Europe. An artistic, creative and inquiring spirit, a wealth of the support from powerful patrons and a continuously innovative way of thinking defines this remarkable age.
In the High Renaissance two of Leonardo Da Vinci's most important murals came to life: The Battle of Anghiari (1503–06) in the Palazzo Vecchio of Florence and the famous Last Supper (1495–98) in the Santa Maria delle Grazie in Milan.
The 17th century was characterized by the Baroque style, which expressed in the great building enthusiasm created by the Counter-Reformation, especially through the Jesuit order. Furthermore, it was shown through the importance given to the buildings and homes of the ruling aristocracy throughout Europe as the centres of society's cultural life.
In the late 18th and 19th century, the development in style and mural technique almost stagnated. But in the 20th century mural art was redefined in new experimenting ways. Abstract and expressionistic murals became popular and large projects of Pablo Picasso were developed in Paris.
In Mexico a large scale of mosaics became a distinctive feature. During the 1920s and after the Mexican revolution murals got an extra dimension as a powerful tool to promote the public opinion and to transmit controversial political and social messages.
As urban art today is becoming more mainstream, big companies often create promotional advertisements, designs and campaigns in collaboration with famous street artists.
Despite the commercial dimension, murals are still considered an important socially engaging art form: They function as a significant role in the relationship between art and politics and they represent an aesthetic element, that can be used to improve urban and residential areas and turn them into beautiful, cultural artifacts.
The history of professional mural art can be spotted all the way back to the Romans. In Pompeii and Ostia almost every building was painted in unified, decorative schemes that included a wide spectrum of pictures, including landscapes and figured scenes.
Nevertheless, the concentration of mural art has in no other period in history been more comprehensive than during the Renaissance in Europe. An artistic, creative and inquiring spirit, a wealth of the support from powerful patrons and a continuously innovative way of thinking defines this remarkable age.
In the High Renaissance two of Leonardo Da Vinci's most important murals came to life: The Battle of Anghiari (1503–06) in the Palazzo Vecchio of Florence and the famous Last Supper (1495–98) in the Santa Maria delle Grazie in Milan.
The 17th century was characterized by the Baroque style, which expressed in the great building enthusiasm created by the Counter-Reformation, especially through the Jesuit order. Furthermore, it was shown through the importance given to the buildings and homes of the ruling aristocracy throughout Europe as the centres of society's cultural life.
In the late 18th and 19th century, the development in style and mural technique almost stagnated. But in the 20th century mural art was redefined in new experimenting ways. Abstract and expressionistic murals became popular and large projects of Pablo Picasso were developed in Paris.
In Mexico a large scale of mosaics became a distinctive feature. During the 1920s and after the Mexican revolution murals got an extra dimension as a powerful tool to promote the public opinion and to transmit controversial political and social messages.
As urban art today is becoming more mainstream, big companies often create promotional advertisements, designs and campaigns in collaboration with famous street artists.
Despite the commercial dimension, murals are still considered an important socially engaging art form: They function as a significant role in the relationship between art and politics and they represent an aesthetic element, that can be used to improve urban and residential areas and turn them into beautiful, cultural artifacts.
At Farbovanyi Lys we deal with everything related to graffiti and street art.
Our purpose is to give opportunities to young Ukrainian artists.
Taras Dovhaliuk, street artist and founder of Farbovanyi Lys
Our purpose is to give opportunities to young Ukrainian artists.
Taras Dovhaliuk, street artist and founder of Farbovanyi Lys
Street art is an industry, that is continuously growing.
When artists take initiatives themselves, they can realize their ideas.
Taras Dovhaliuk, street artist and founder of Farbovanyi Lys
When artists take initiatives themselves, they can realize their ideas.
Taras Dovhaliuk, street artist and founder of Farbovanyi Lys
Created by
Judith Brandstötter
Journalism Student, Austria
Iryna Yavorska
Media Communications Student, Ukraine
Hanna Chornobrovkina
Media Communications Student, Ukraine
Sara Nora Koust
Journalism Student, Denmark
Taras Kostyrko
Mentor
Graphic Designer and Photographer, Ukraine
