Titled Urban Jungle, this remarkable artwork celebrates the local architecture of the Praga district, surrounded by lush greenery. Located on the wall of a building on Okrzei Street, adjacent to the footbridge, the mural vividly captures iconic landmarks such as the Cathedral of St. Michael the Archangel and St. Florian the Martyr, the Metropolitan Cathedral of St. Mary Magdalene, and the intricately decorated Owl House. The vibrant imagery aims to blend urban life with nature, creating a harmonious visual experience for residents and visitors alike.

The official unveiling of the mural is scheduled for mid-November. Until then, art enthusiasts and curious passersby can view the progress of this unique project through our gallery. The mural promises to enhance the visual landscape of the area, inviting people to reflect on the relationship between urban architecture and nature.

This isn’t the first mural by Tytus Brzozowski to enrich the streets of Warsaw. In September, he revealed another colorful masterpiece on a building at 8 Łochowska Street in Praga Północ. This previous work showcases the vibrant character of the Szmulki neighborhood, illustrating its distinct features and landmarks. For example, you can see the Anti-Smog Mural in Wola right here.

For those interested in exploring the evolving art scene of Warsaw, the ongoing developments of “Urban Jungle” and the recent mural in Szmulki represent a significant addition to the city’s cultural tapestry.

Because we consider Tytus’s work to be unique, we decided to ask him a few questions about it to give you a closer look at the entire concept and the story behind these amazing creations.

Warsaw Insider: How did your journey with murals begin? What made you choose this form of art?

Tytus Brzozowski: I was first invited to create a mural project in 2016 by Skanska, a company constructing office buildings at a very iconic location in Warsaw’s Wola district, near the former Kercelak marketplace. I started with a bang, as the wall was over 35 meters tall – a major burst of color in the urban fabric. I painted the historical buildings of the area blended with the modern ones, following the typical Wola trend of striving toward metropolitan grandeur. Since there are beehives on the rooftop of the office building, cheerful bees also appeared on the mural. For an architect who abandoned designing buildings in favor of painting, the opportunity to contribute to the space of my beloved city was a tremendous honor and a fantastic challenge!

Warsaw Insider: When you begin a mural project, how long is the process from idea to completion? What part of the creative process is the most challenging for you?

Tytus Brzozowski: Murals are a demanding challenge. From numerous ideas and opportunities, only a handful come to fruition. Once the terms are set and contracts are signed, the most enjoyable, creative phase begins. I start with extensive sketching, searching for the concept. I consider the perspectives from which the wall will be best viewed – up close or from a distance, straight on or from the side. Sunlight, vegetation, and anything unique that can be utilized are all crucial factors. From a sea of concise sketches, a concept emerges, which I solidify with a final drawing. Based on this drawing, I proceed to paint the design, which eventually becomes the mural project. Painting in the studio takes about a month. The completed project is outlined with lines in graphic software and printed as a large stencil that we adhere to the wall. After transferring the design, what remains is a vast surface with an exact drawing of my concept. At this stage, a trusted team takes to the scaffolding and, under my supervision, spends several weeks filling the design with colors.

Warsaw Insider: What role does the local context play for you when creating murals? Do you consider the history of the place where you work?

Tytus Brzozowski: Context is crucial for me! My murals always tell a story about the place they inhabit, giving the local community something deeply connected to them. Warsaw, and cities in general, fascinate me—I love uncovering their histories. I often bring back significant buildings that no longer exist in the area or highlight objects that, in my opinion, best capture the essence of the place. I combine these elements to create new, magical realms that still retain a local atmosphere.

Warsaw Insider: The Urban Jungle mural is incredibly colorful, full of life and energy. What emotions did you want to convey through this project?

Tytus Brzozowski: I wanted to depict a city living in harmony with nature. I emphasized greenery and trees, aiming to create a calm, serene atmosphere where everyone could find a moment of respite. Among the branches, you can spot buildings from Warsaw’s Praga district, coexisting symbiotically with the trees. Green cities are not only beautiful but also safer and better adapted to heatwaves. I believe that in the age of the climate crisis, this is a topic worth discussing. A large, colorful mural is a great way to spark that conversation!

Interview by Ada Marcinowicz.