Ornamental Otter: Raising Awareness of Endangered Species Through Art

Recently, I had the incredible opportunity to participate in FASADA Festival, a project born in 2021 with the vision of transforming Sarajevo into an open-air gallery. The festival not only seeks to revitalize the city’s urban neighborhoods but also to create a positive impact on the local community. Under the motto “We educate, we paint, we change, we collaborate”, FASADA has facilitated the creation of over 30 murals and brought together dozens of international artists across four editions. Its initial goal of “painting every wall in Sarajevo” evolved into something deeper: art that truly connects with people, educating, sparking dialogue, and fostering care for the environment.

This Edition: Endangered Species

This edition focused on raising awareness of threatened and endangered species in Bosnia, such as the olm, salamander, lynx, snake-eyed skink, Hermann’s tortoise, European ratsnake, meadow viper, and Bosanska šarka. I chose to represent the otter, a species I have always loved and one that is also present in Spain.

My initial idea was to depict the otter in its natural habitat, diving into the river to convey movement and the sense of life that characterizes this small guardian of wetlands. The mural aims to reflect the beauty of aquatic ecosystems and raise awareness about the threats they face, such as pollution, habitat loss, and human pressure. I also developed it following my Ornamental Style, blending realism with filigree details to create rhythm and narrative within every element of the mural.

The mural is located in the Tina Ujevića neighborhood, where during the festival, eight other animals were painted by incredible artists including Tea, Vedra, Nush, This, Simian, Fio, 514.415, and Stom. It was fascinating to see how, in the same neighborhood, each artist interpreted a different animal in their own style, creating a visual dialogue full of diversity and creative richness.

Beyond the Mural: Culture and Experiences

Besides painting, it was a unique opportunity to experience Bosnian culture with the guidance of Benja, the festival’s curator. Sarajevo is a fascinating city due to its blend of cultures and traditions, with traces of the Ottoman Empire, Austro-Hungarian influence, and rich Balkan history. Every street, square, and corner tells stories that intertwine with daily life. And of course, the culinary experience was exceptional: from traditional cevapi to local desserts, every meal was a delight.

I feel very fortunate to be able to discover new places that surprise me while doing what I love most: painting, creating, and connecting with the environment through art. Participating in FASADA and representing the otter in Sarajevo was an experience I will always remember, both for the mural itself and for everything I learned and experienced in this unique city.