Continuing what has already proved an exciting year, Spanish muralist Antonio Segura Donat, also known as Dulk, marked his first forays into Costa Rica with two recent murals in Jacó. Both murals were curated by Artify Jaco, a local entity which organizes street art initiatives to beautify the city. Situated on Costa RIca’s West coast and hailed for its surfing beaches, Jacó provided an ideal, lush location for the artist’s environmentally-minded works.
Dulk first completed “Fragile” which adorns the Sunset Boulevard luxury condo building. Here, a jubilant toucan smiles to the open sky around her, perched atop the highest branch alongside her young. Whereas Dulk’s works typically warns of impending environmental destruction with fearful faces and unsettling colors, “Fragile” exudes a joyous tone. While the mother Toucan still sports Dulk’s trademark target, meant to highlight nature’s victimhood in our changing world, she hardly seems to notice.
The artist acknowledged this work’s special stature in a press release, explaining, “this is probably one of the most special murals I ever painted. It’s based on a true story about a mistreated toucan found in Costa rica three years ago named ‘Grecia’. Her story made headlines worldwide after surviving an alleged attack that destroyed most of its upper beak. The toucan received the first 3D print prosthetic beak thanks to a joint effort that included a crowdfunding campaign and the collaboration of companies in Costa Rica and the U.S.”
Grecia’s tale of rescue and redemption also highlights how science and progress can help make the world a better place, rather than endangering it. Dulk pushed the situation’s importance further, and stated that “Grecia has become a symbol of [the] fight to get an Animal Welfare Bill approved by the Legislative Assembly.” After completing the mural, the artist had the opportunity to visit Grecia herself in Alajuela, where she resides under the care of Rescate Animal ZooAve.
collaborated with Mantra Rea to complete his second Costa Rican work, “Coleccionista”. The French street artist has also includes natural motifs like butterflies and spiders in his work, which allowed this partnership a measure of idealogical understanding. Dulk said, “we both love wilderness and were very excited to share our techniques and knowledge to produce our first project together. We hope this is just the beginning of many!”
“Coleccionista” depicts a scarlet Macaw, which Dulk called “the most iconic bird of Jacó.” The Macaw peers thoughtfully from the facade where it is depicted, in a realistic yet animated style that blends both artists’ sensibilities. Dulk’s darker touches are apparent, like the target protruding from the Macaw’s profile and the skulls speckled throughout. Mantra’s touches are also evident, as butterflies of varying hues also dot the scene.
Together, the artists established a triumphant tone. This magnificent creature clutches an arrow in its beak, impervious to the forces that may attempt to assail it. To this end, Dulk noted that, “the locals told us 20 years ago it was almost impossible to see a Macaw in the area, they were almost extinct. Nowadays thanks to the support of some organizations and national parks you can see them everywhere in the town. It’s a great experience to be painting and hearing them crossing the skys and fighting in the trees. For a painter and nature lover this is truly inspiring!”
Dulk’s first trip to the Central American nation of Costa Rica not only enabled him to complete new work, but also to explore new themes and techniques. His murals adopted a markedly optimistic tone, perhaps inspired by Jacó gorgeous scenery. The artist closed a press release with gratitude, saying, “thanks Costa Rica for having us and take care of some magic of our planet. Thanks to the organisation #artifyjaco to make us feel like at home.”
Dulk: website | facebook | instagram
Artify Jaco: website | facebook | instagram
