In April 2024, Nychos embarks on a new chapter in his artistic journey with the creation of Liberation of the Soul, an 80-meter mural that vividly portrays an intensely personal inner voyage. This masterpiece, located at Mural Harbor, draws inspiration from the spirit of traditional Mexican muralismo, presenting a compelling narrative that resonates deeply with its viewers. The project marks a significant milestone, following the iconic Translucent Serpent of 2016—Nychos’ and Mural Harbor’s largest mural to date, spanning nearly 900 square meters.
The Translucent Serpent, a vibrant green snake, has long stood as a symbol of the harbor. However, Nychos, a native of Styria, Austria, has since evolved into a new artistic phase, making Liberation of the Soul a poignant return to large-scale mural creation.
A Journey Through Nychos’ Artistic Phases
Nychos’ life as an artist can be divided into three distinct phases:
The Graffiti Roots
As a teenager, Nychos discovered graffiti as an outlet for creativity and thrill. Experimenting with letter combinations and characters, he developed his signature style and the pseudonym “Nychos,” often accompanied by a mischievous rabbit character. This early phase was marked by camaraderie and exploration, laying the foundation for his future artistic identity.
The Era of Exploration and Rebellion
In his twenties, amidst the Street Art movement of the 2000s, Nychos expanded his creative vision. Letters gave way to dynamic characters—predatory animals like tigers, sharks, and eagles—that symbolized both his persona and his roots in a family of hunters. Fascinated by anatomy, he pioneered techniques to artistically expose the inner workings of organic forms, using methods such as dissection, explosion, and translucency.
This distinct style propelled Nychos into the global street art scene. His works adorned walls worldwide, and he established Rabbit Eye Movement, a gallery and agency in Vienna. However, the intense pace of his career culminated in 2016 with The Translucent Serpent—a project that physically and mentally challenged the artist, marking the end of his second phase.
The Awakening
Following a personal and artistic crisis, Nychos entered a period of self-discovery, characterized by meditation, therapy, and shamanism. Relocating to Los Angeles, he embraced a slower pace of life, focusing on themes of spirituality and human existence. His art shifted to detailed canvases in the studio, featuring complex, layered compositions. Animals, now seen as spirit guides, receded into the background as he explored self-portraits, reincarnations, and mythical beings.
Images by ©konflozius
Liberation of the Soul: A New Artistic Pinnacle
Liberation of the Soul reflects this third phase, embodying Nychos’ journey toward self-awareness and spiritual awakening. Unlike The Translucent Serpent, which took just five days to complete, this mural will require several weeks of meticulous work. The result will be a richly detailed piece, merging fantastical elements with deeply personal themes. As Nychos’ most ambitious mural in years, Liberation of the Soul not only signifies his artistic evolution but also cements his place as a transformative figure in contemporary urban art.