Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Valkyrie mural in Geneva?
The Valkyrie mural is a large-scale street artwork created by Alex Kanos during the House of Paint project in Geneva, Switzerland.
Where is the Valkyrie mural located?
The mural was painted in Geneva as part of the House of Paint urban art initiative organized by Wall’s Street GVA.
What inspired the Valkyrie mural?
The artwork combines Norse mythology, cyberpunk aesthetics and reflections on humanity’s relationship with technology.
Who is Alex Kanos?
Alex Kanos is a French mural artist known for creating large-scale public artworks inspired by Art Nouveau, cyberpunk culture and contemporary social themes.
What is House of Paint Geneva?
House of Paint is a Geneva-based street art project that invites artists to create murals and public artworks throughout the city.
VALKYRIE in Geneva during the “House of Paint” project
“Valkyrie” in Geneva is more than a façade painting, it is a statement about our times. Being invited to Geneva for the House of Paint project was both an honor and a milestone in my artistic journey. The event brought together a community of international street artists to transform walls outside and inside severals buildings into vibrant narratives, and I was fortunate to contribute with a large-scale mural titled Valkyrie.
From the very beginning, the organization by Wall’s Street GVA and House of Paint was as always warm and perfect, i had honor to participate to previous edition in Geneva, you can find here, Edition 1 / Edition 2 / Edition 3. The team provided a space where creativity could flourish without limits, and the local community welcomed us with an openness that is rare to encounter. I am also grateful to Loopcolors for their unwavering support in providing the tools and materials that made this project possible.
The mural, titled “Valkyrie,” is not just an image but a narrative frozen in time. I envisioned a cyberpunk valkyrie, a contemporary reinterpretation of the mythological female warrior. Traditionally, Valkyries in Norse mythology were figures who decided the fate of warriors in battle, guiding the chosen ones to Valhalla. In my piece, this legendary archetype is reimagined within the framework of the 21st century, where humanity is constantly negotiating its relationship with technology.
The Valkyrie figure stands tall, embodying strength, resilience, and grace. She represents a hybrid identity: part human, part machine, yet deeply anchored in the human struggle for meaning and dignity. By her side, a robotic companion armed with dual katanas emerges as both guardian and ally. This figure symbolizes the tools we create, machines that can either defend or endanger us, depending on how we choose to use them. Together, they invite reflection on our evolving bond with technology, urging us to confront both its promises and its perils.
Surrounding the two protagonists are peonies, chosen deliberately for their symbolism of courage and perseverance. Their delicate petals contrast with the sharp, metallic forms of cybernetic elements woven throughout the composition. This juxtaposition is central to the piece: the organic versus the mechanical, tradition versus innovation, vulnerability versus resilience. As in much of my work, the mural revisits a recurring theme: how do we preserve our humanity as we merge with the machines of our era? This question has become increasingly urgent as technology permeates every aspect of our lives, from communication to art, from medicine to warfare.
The House of Paint project provided the perfect stage for this exploration. With the support of the organizers, partners, and local community, this mural has become part of Geneva’s cultural landscape, adding one more voice to the city’s vibrant conversation with art. For me personally, it marks another step in an ongoing journey to question the role of art in a world increasingly shaped by technology, and to celebrate the resilience of humanity as we navigate that transformation.
