ART IN THE SERVICE OF ECOLOGY

In July 2025, I successfully completed an artistic project involving the painting of three murals in the city of Tuzla, commissioned by Centar za ekologiju i energiju. The goal of the mural project was to raise awareness of ecological issues through visual art and intervention in public space. All murals were painted with paints that not only contribute to the visual identity of the city but also actively purify the air, thereby reinforcing the ecological message of the project.

My artistic approach was guided by the idea that a mural is not merely an image on a wall, but a communicative tool that sparks emotion, discussion, and reflection on social and ecological topics. All three murals are connected by the dominant motif of the sunflower – a symbol of nature, light, energy, and renewal – as well as the theme of transformation from the old and polluting to the new and sustainable. 

MURAL 1: “SWING OF LIFE” – SKPC MEJDAN (12 m²)

The first mural was painted inside the SKPC Mejdan object in Tuzla, covering an area of 12 m² (4 meters wide and 3 meters high). Titled “Swing of Life,” the mural conveys a message about repurposing and recycling as key tools for sustainable development.

The central motif of the mural is an old car tire transformed into a children’s swing, from which sunflowers grow and wind turbines rise. This symbolism reminds us that objects once considered sources of pollution can become tools of nature and play. The swing evokes nostalgia and childhood, while ladybugs fluttering around the scene enhance the feeling of life, joy, and ecological balance.
Technically, the mural was created using a detailed stippling technique with stylized color details, emphasizing the contrast between the “old” (the tire) and the “new” (nature and energy). The location at SKPC Mejdan ensured high visibility for many passersby, enhancing the mural’s impact on the local community

MURALS 2 & 3: “SUNFLOWER ALLEY” – ATIK MAHALA (55 m² + 40 m²)

The second and third murals are in Atik Mahala, right next to Trg Slobode. They are opposite one another: the second mural on the BIT Center building, and the third on the Privredna komora building. Due to their strong visual connection, I propose naming this location “Sunflower Alley.”

Mural 2: “Hands, Sunflowers, and Wind Turbines” – BIT Center (55 m²)
This mural shows two hands reaching toward a large sunflower. The sunflower petals are stylized to resemble wind turbine blades. The hands appear to break apart into fragments of coal, clearly signaling the need to abandon fossil fuels.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Mural 3: “Coal Disintegration – Birth of Energy” – Privredna komora building (40 m²)
In the third mural, a hand disintegrating into coal at the bottom supports the stem of a green sunflower, surrounded by many other sunflowers. This scene represents a moment of assuming responsibility, where human strength no longer destroys but supports growth and development. The dominant green sunflower is stylized as a wind turbine, rounding out the message of renewable energy sources.

This mural is in visual dialogue with the previous one: while one shows the passing of the sunflower, the other shows its elevation. This visual and symbolic exchange between the two facades contributes to a unified street aesthetic and makes walking through Atik Mahala a unique artistic experience.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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PRODUCTION PROCESS AND TECHNICAL DETAILS

The entire project included painting a total of 107 m² of murals (12 + 55 + 40 m²). The murals were painted using BOYSEN KNOxOUT paints. This paint contains ultra-fine titanium dioxide (TiO₂), which, when exposed to sunlight and atmospheric moisture, initiates a photochemical reaction that breaks down harmful air pollutants – such as nitrogen oxides (NOx), sulfur oxides (SOx), and volatile organic compounds (VOC) – into harmless substances. According to the manufacturer and available data, one square meter of KNOxOUT removes approximately the same amount of NOx pollution annually as one mature tree. While this technology does not replace tree planting, in urban environments where space is limited, it represents a valuable contribution to the fight against air pollution and climate change. In conclusion – in addition to the creation of three high-quality large-scale artworks, the murals will achieve an annual air purification effect equivalent to that of about one hundred trees.

https://knoxoutpaints.com/owow.do?id=22152

For the two larger murals, a motorized scaffold was required. A production team for photo and video documentation was also engaged. The entire process took twelve working days, including surface preparation, sketching, and final painting.

Food, beverages, and fuel for the team were included in the budget, as well as logistical costs for transporting equipment and scaffolding. All work was completed within the agreed deadlines, with maximum dedication and adherence to safety standards on-site.

CONCLUSION

The mural painting project in Tuzla represents a synthesis of art, ecology, and public space intervention. The three murals, varying in size and location, together form a visual whole that communicates a message of transformation, responsibility, and sustainable future.

Reactions from passersby were overwhelmingly positive – many stopped to take photos and ask about the meaning and symbolism, achieving the educational dimension of the work. It is especially important to note that all murals were created using air-purifying paints, making this project simultaneously aesthetic, educational, and ecologically beneficial.

I propose that the location in Atik Mahala, where the second and third murals are situated, be given the symbolic name “Sunflower Alley,” which would further affirm the value of public art as a tool for urban identity and ecological messaging.