Wings of Paradise mural by award-winning Malaysian artist Lee Hui Ling in Kuala Lumpur's historic Chinatown district. © Greenpeace
For too long the story of Indonesian forests has been painted with the darkness of burning rainforests, disappearing species and displaced communities.
Greedy palm oil companies, that only seem to be driven by the bottom line whatever the cost to humanity or biodiversity, have played a major role in this.
Little or nothing is known about the beauty of the spectacular Birds of Paradise that call the forests of Papua home. So far, around 40 different species of these birds have been found, and they’re considered by some to be among the most beautiful creatures on earth.
Street artist Ano paints a mural depicting birds of paradise close to Taipei 101, in the centre of the city. © Greenpeace
After ravaging the forests of Borneo and Sumatra, the palm oil industry has reached the final frontier, Papua, home to these Birds of Paradise. Both the birds and the forest could be lost if we allow these companies to continue.
That’s why street artists and volunteers from all over the world, from Melbourne to Taipei and Vienna to LA, are taking matters into their own hands.
Their mission is simple – to re-create the essence of the extravagant, brightly coloured plumage, crazy courtship dances and bizarre behaviours of these birds in our cities through huge artworks on walls. To remind us of the constant threat to Indonesian wildlife, but also inspire us to act to protect it.
Artwork by noted street artist Muebon on the facade of the Bangkok Art and Culture Centre (BACC). © Greenpeace
A beautiful bird of paradise enjoys the colourful sunset in Australia. Street artist Bonsai painted this mural in Geelong, Victoria. © Greenpeace / Andrea Marcus
It’s time for us to stand together for the future of Indonesian forests. Artists, students, bird enthusiasts or consumers buying palm oil products in supermarkets, we need to come together and act.
Mural by artist Ricky Lee Gordon on a building in Long Beach, California, US. © David McNew
Goldie’s Bird of Paradise pictured in mural by artist Matt Sewell in London, UK. © Kristian Buus
Join this massive movement!
Admire and get lost in the #WingsOfParadise artworks in your home city or on social media, or share your favourite piece with friends and start your own conversation about protecting the future of the forests and our planet.