mantra’s trompe l’oeil murals transform buildings into larger-than-life butterfly display cases

french street artist mantra transforms building façades around the world into trompe l’oeil murals depicting larger-than-life butterflies. the hyperrealistic public artworks render insects, usually moths and butterflies, in scientifically accurate detail, while each piece features species native to the area where it is located. in most of his murals, the butterflies are depicted as lifeless creatures encased in display boxes, a comment on the great loss of biodiversity that afflicts humanity today.

torino, italy

all images © mantra

born in metz, france, in 1987, youri cansell, aka mantra, is a self-taught street artist whose murals can be found in building façades around the world. fascinated by entomology, he creates large-scale public artworks depicting moths and butterflies based on the local nature. the vivid, delicate creatures, seldom seen in the wild anymore, are rendered in detail through his trompe l’oeil style and captivating use of colors. most of mantra’s murals portray the winged insects in display cases as a comment on lost biodiversity, alerting the public to pressing global issues. the multitude of butterflies depicted have become almost extinct in recent decades, a phenomenon directly connected to increased pollution and climate change.torino, italy cancún, mexico breda, the netherlands zaragoza, spain

overum, sweden

las vegas, USA

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artist: mantra