MURALIZATION
Colour for the people of Lviv
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.
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.
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One of the most important aims of art is to raise social themes.
Murals are a very cool way to express your idea.
Murals are a very cool way to express your idea.
We have created a concept in which street art is part of the city's development.
"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.
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At Farbovanyi Lys we deal with everything related to graffiti and street art. Our purpose is to give opportunities to young Ukrainian artists.
A FEEL OF
FARBOVANYI LYS
FARBOVANYI LYS
Farbovanyi Lys – Graffiti and Street Art Alliance – is the first street art and graffiti gallery in Lviv. It was created in 2016 by Taras Dovhaliuk, Denys Metelin and Andrii Savshyshyn.
The Association at Farbovanyi Lys aims to promote street art, make strong partnerships and generate more artistic projects in Lviv.
Farbovanyi Lys is a cluster that consists of artists, sponsors and employees from the art industry. Together they are building a creative industry focused on street art.
Every street artist with an idea for a new project can seek support at Farbovanyi Lys. Through collaboration they can seek funding to realize the idea.
Ever since spray painting is on the rise in Europe the dome on top of the cans got smaller, allowing artists to get closer to the walls they're painting and write finer lines.
Back in the Soviet Union the gallery used to be a fabric that produced medical instruments. After standing still for many years, it is now coming back to life through the young artists.
While graffiti artists only work with spray paint, street artists use all kinds of media and techniques to create their pieces.
More and more festivals are taking place every year to support the street art industry in Lviv, such as WallKing Festival, Alarm Festival or Lviv Street Art Festival.
Three Lviv murals have been rated as some of the best in the world. Many murals show birds, symbolizing freedom through nature.
Other important images of murals in Lviv represent children's toys during the Soviet Union, in order to show changes in the Ukrainian society as a result of the technical impact.
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Street art is an industry, that is continuously growing.
When artists take initiatives themselves, they can realize their ideas.
When artists take initiatives themselves, they can realize their ideas.
CREATED BY
Judith Brandstötter
Journalism Student, Austria
Iryna Yavorska
Media Communication Student, Ukraine
Hanna Chornobrovkina
Media Communication Student, Ukraine
Sara Nora Koust
Journalism Student, Denmark
Taras Kostyrko (Mentor)
Graphic Designer and Photographer, Ukraine
