The Ostrava competition for large-scale painting above Bazaly was won by Jan Lörincz

Ostrava – The winner of the artistic competition for a large-scale mural on the retaining wall above the Bazaly stadium is Jan Lörincz. A total of 11 applicants submitted their designs, and the jury unanimously agreed on the winner. This was announced to journalists today by the spokesperson of the magistrate, Gabriela Pokorná.

The city requested that the design, which will cover an area of nearly 1000 m², reflects the significant transformation of the city and the Moravian-Silesian region. It should also pay tribute to the most famous Ostrava sports club FC Baník, which is intrinsically linked to the Bazaly stadium and is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year.

"The originality of the entire design is complemented by the method of realization. The author plans to use pigment created from construction waste and mineral extraction waste in the vicinity of the location. Students from art schools will also be familiarized with this unique process. The author of the design plans to organize a workshop to introduce the technological procedure to the students," stated the spokesperson.

According to Deputy Mayor Zuzana Bajgarová, the winning design tells the story of the city, and the jury rated it as a highly individual and original artistic effort. "I believe it will captivate passersby and drivers not only at first glance but also in the long term," she said.

The competition was announced by the city in collaboration with the region, which will finance the creation of the work itself since it is the owner of both the wall and the adjacent road. "The Moravian-Silesian Road Administration has already begun repairs on the wall; it was necessary to remove overgrown trees and clear the immediate vicinity of the future mural. Subsequently, repairs to the concrete and joints, cleaning of the entire surface, and especially its impregnation will be needed," stated Deputy Governor Jakub Unucka. The repair of the wall will cost 3.4 million crowns, and the region will pay additional funds for the artwork itself.

The wall repair should be completed by mid-July, and during August, travelers in trolleybuses and cars will be able to observe the creation of the artwork on the wall. It is expected to be completed in September.

The jury also appreciated other competition proposals. "All proposals will soon be presented on the city’s social media. Besides the awarded ones, the jury highlighted the quality and originality of other works that could be realized in other locations with the consent of the city and the authors," added the spokesperson.