Murals in the Birdhouse
Client: ZOO Wrocław
spring 2021
I was invited to design and paint murals in newly renovated Birdhouse.
The building was open in 1898. Since then it only had some minor renovations in 60s - 70s.
• • •
The task was to design educational murals, inspired with old natural history atlases.
I wanted to design modern illustrations with vintage feel, that would enhance the interior.
In total 6 murals were painted.
In total 6 murals were painted.
PAINTING TEAM
Paweł Ponichtera instagram behance
Alicja Wójcik instagram
Hanna Kujda portfolio behance
• • •
Due to conditions inside the building - temperature and humidity - we had to use special materials.
While working we were surrounded with birds, and their keepers.
During that time we could learn more about animals, and work inside the ZOO.
• • •
Murals were painted from 24th of march to 27th of May
Murals were painted from 24th of march to 27th of May
1. Birds' Beaks
This mural, depicts variety of birds' beaks. At first client wanted to show more species. But later the number of birds got shorter. Because of the big difference between their sizes, and the location of the wall, the composition required different approach. I depicted them flying.
• • •
Birds included:
Birds included:
African spoonbill (Platalea alba , Black skimmer (Rynchops niger), Great shearwater (Ardenna gravis),
African openbill (Anastomus lamelligerus), White-winged crossbill (Loxia leucoptera), white-necked jacobin (Florisuga mellivora)
sketches and final project
2. Nests
Second mural shows unusual birds' nests.
Species of the birds were chosen by the client.
• • •
Birds included:
Great hornbill (Buceros bicornis), Orange-footed scrubfowl (Megapodius reinwardt), Common white tern (Gygis alba),
Species of the birds were chosen by the client.
• • •
Birds included:
Great hornbill (Buceros bicornis), Orange-footed scrubfowl (Megapodius reinwardt), Common white tern (Gygis alba),
Rufous hornero (Furnarius rufus), Baya weaver (Ploceus philippinus), Common tailorbird (Orthotomus sutorius),
Zunzuncito (Mellisuga helenae), Gila woodpecker (Melanerpes uropygialis)
sketch and final project
3. Cage
Client wanted to tell the story of Silent Forests. It is a campaign to enhance awarness of Asian songbirds extinction.
They are threatened due to trade, song competitions, export and traditional medicine.
Client wanted to show a cage.
I added spieces of birds of my choice. I was interested in birds with wonderful tails.
They are threatened due to trade, song competitions, export and traditional medicine.
Client wanted to show a cage.
I added spieces of birds of my choice. I was interested in birds with wonderful tails.
• • •
Birds included:
Greater racket-tailed drongo (Dicrurus paradiseus), Indian paradise flycatcher (Terpsiphone paradisi),
Racket-tailed treepie (Crypsirina temia), black-crested bulbul (Rubigula flaviventris),
Maroon oriole (Oriolus traillii), Bali starling (Leucopsar rothschildi), Red-billed blue magpie (Urocissa erythroryncha)
Birds included:
Greater racket-tailed drongo (Dicrurus paradiseus), Indian paradise flycatcher (Terpsiphone paradisi),
Racket-tailed treepie (Crypsirina temia), black-crested bulbul (Rubigula flaviventris),
Maroon oriole (Oriolus traillii), Bali starling (Leucopsar rothschildi), Red-billed blue magpie (Urocissa erythroryncha)
sketches and final project
4. Asian Birds' Feathers
Client wanted to show variety of Asian birds' feathers. Birds were chosen by me.
• • •
Birds included:
Birds included:
Indian roller (Coracias benghalensis), Elliot's pheasant (Syrmaticus ellioti), Argusianus argus (Argusianus argus),
Malayan peacock-pheasant (Polyplectron malacense), Nicobar pigeon (Caloenas nicobarica), Golden pheasant (Chrysolophus pictus)
Silver pheasant (Lophura nycthemera), Victoria crowned pigeon (Goura victoria), Asian fairy-bluebird (Irena puella),
Satyr tragopan (Tragopan satyra), Plum-headed parakeet (Psittacula cyanocephala)
Satyr tragopan (Tragopan satyra), Plum-headed parakeet (Psittacula cyanocephala)
sketch and final project
5. Hunt for Moa
The most challenging mural that we did. Regarding location, size of the wall (43 m2) and subject.
In front of the wall there is a glass aviary, with narrow passage. So the work was chalenging.
• • •
Mural depicts Moas.
They were giant birds that got excint in 15th century, due to overhunt.
They reached 3,6 height, and weighted around 230 kg.
Mural depicts Moas.
They were giant birds that got excint in 15th century, due to overhunt.
They reached 3,6 height, and weighted around 230 kg.
At first I proposed sketch with a group of running moas, but client wanted to show their size compared to human figure. Also it is believed that they weren't herd animals.
• • •
To depict animal that got extinct was challenging for me.
To depict animal that got extinct was challenging for me.
My research was based on the skeletons, because representation of moas in various atlases, and old printmaking was confusing. I've observed various similiar big birds like kasuars or rheas.
Also I've found and interesting movie by David Attenborough where he analyses how moas could have been walking.
sketches and final project
5. Birds of Southern America
At first client wanted the same mural as fourth one - the feathers.
Because of the location, and variety of Southern America birds I've proposed this project.
It shows tropical feeling of rainforest. Birds species were proposed by me.
• • •
birds included:
birds included:
Capuchinbird (Perissocephalus tricolor), Red-and-green macaw (Ara chloropterus), Plate-billed mountain toucan (Andigena laminirostris), Esplendent quetzal (Pharomachrus mocinno), Andean cock-of-the-rock (Rupicola peruvianus), Montezuma Oropendola (Psarocolius montezuma), Amazonian royal flycatcher (Onychorhynchus coronatus), Broad-billed motmot (Electron platyrhynchum),
Scarlet ibis (Eudocimus ruber), Hoatzin (Opisthocomus hoazin), Violet-tailed sylph (Aglaiocercus coelestis),
Tufted coquette (Lophornis ornatus).
sketch and final project
