25 November 2016

Artist Julia Bichler's flying figures visualize the power of nature for Middle-Europe's first official art-windmill

Windmills in art are common (keyword: Rembrandt). But art on energy producing windmills is new. Yesterday, Middle-Europe's first official art-windmill was inaugurated on a field in Unterlaa in the 10th district (Favoriten) of Vienna. The artist behind the illustrations of flying cartoon figures is Julia Bichler who studies graphic design and advertising at the University of Applied Arts Vienna. Her scenery reminds vintage children's book illustrations. The story of the Viennese art-windmill graphics could be about a friendly wind which invites people to an adventure journey with and about the power of nature - but this lies in the eyes and fantasy of the beholder. Julia Bichler's intention was to make aware that we are surrounded by natural energy sources and that we should use them meaningfully.

Julia Bichler's creation was selected from around 400 submissions to the art-windmill contest by IG Windkraft (produces wind power since 1997). According to IG Windkraft, Austria counts currently more than 1.100 windmills; they produce as much electricity as 40% of the country's households consume.

fig.: The image shows the art-windmill in Unterlaa, in Favoriten, 10th district of Vienna on 24 November 2016. Art by Julia Bichler, windmill by windmill producer Siemens. It's part of a smaller plant of four windmills by Wien Energie; the 4 windmills deliver electricity in the amount of the usage of 2.290 households. Image right: The specialists of Skyworkers applied around 400 foils on ca. 600 square meters. Photos: (C) Astrid Knie.

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