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BB Partners mural by Monika Lang

 

BIG BERRY is based on a close collaboration between tourism and artists, and so, BB Art colony project was created. During two years 17 international artists created 373 m2 of murals and a street full of art along the Kolpa river. Monika Lang came to Bela krajina from Serbia. Her mural represents partners, local creators and farmers, who make sure guests receive the most authentic experience during their stay at BIG BERRY.

She had to apply two layers of every color, which she didn't expect, but in this natural environment she quickly relaxed and managed to finish the mural in just two full days of very intense work, despite all the disturbing factors. “I just saw a roe deer on the lawn there. Is that possible?” She looked at me in surprise, in the middle of an interview at her house, which she had painted at the BIG BERRY Kolpa River resort. 

And yes, of course it is possible. In the end, this was also one of Monika's favorite things with BIG BERRY – a genuine contact with nature and the hospitable people she portrayed in her mural.

BB AC 2019 Monika Lang

The concept 

Monika Lang, freelance illustrator and graphic designer, is in love with real and cultural projects, came from Serbia to share her vision of community working together. Not only did she draw it, she also found it in Bela krajina region among BB Art colony and BIG BERRY people. 

 Monika Lang BB Art Colony 2021 BIG BERRY Art Colony 2019 Monika Lang2

Here you can read more about Monika Lang.

Given the fact that Monika is inspired by the theme itself, as soon as she got the theme, she explored the presented collaboration between BIG BERRY and its BB Partners, all those local creators and farmers. And we couldn't be more happy how she merged her idea and the reality. “I come from Vojvodina where we had chickens and other animals there. Although there are a lot of differences between Vojvodina and Bela krajina, they are similar in a way, so the theme itself was quite familiar," she said.

She painted an idyllic yet true image of the hospitable locals, their animals, and the most delicious local and fresh delicacies they prepare. The typical Bela krajina's pastry  – belokranjska pogača, which holds an European certificate, is ona regular menu for BB breakfast - Monika said of it: “I absolutely adore it! I love everything about it - cumin, salt and bread. I'm really glad I was able to portray it on the mural as well."

Mural symbolism  

If you want to go fast, go alone. But if you want to go far - go along.  

At this moment, BIG BERRY could not be where it is, without the stable pillars of its partners. These are the ones who provide local, organic and authentic food from their farms located no more than 15 km from the resort. Those who make the best cake and fresh pastries, the best ice cream without refined sugar, prepare the best local dishes in their restaurants, make authentic wine and amazing beer, golden ghee butter or fantastic brandy, natural soaps, take you on an unforgettable adventure and experience, share local tradition, spreading the news and sharing knowledge. They make sure the authentic experience is truly authentic, with the person behind it, with a hug and a smile. They create the whole BB world.

The process of making the mural

She made the mural for the first time. "I really didn't know anything about it," she admitted, but "I found it a very interesting challenge, and I was very proud to have been invited to participate."

Considering the fact she has been mostly creating digitally for the past 10 years, the questions about the size and amount of the brushes or the amount of the paint were an enigma to her, but in the end it turned out great. On the first night, with the help of a projector, she transferred her artwork to a larger area. "In the end, I was so tired that I just went to bed and told myself that tomorrow I would see what I really did and it was great." 

BB Art Colony 2019 Monika Lang4 Monika Lang BB Art Colony 2022

Ideas for photographs

The mural is perfect for photographs for anyone who enjoyed the BB breakfast, this is an opportunity to show their enthusiasm with their favorite basket item. It is also great for anyone who has visited one of the BB partners and brought along a souvenir (edible or not). Guests can also take pictures with one of our partners if they are lucky enough to run into them when they are with us - as it is not so difficult - they are often near the BB resort. It is also the perfect photo for everyone who liked the people of the region - in this way, they can take it with them and show their hospitality to the whole world.