“For me, art in hospitality is both a bridge and a catalyst: it connects people to the place, and to one another, while also sparking reflection—transforming a stay into a meaningful, lasting memory. Guests may not remember every detail of the room, but they remember how it made them feel,” Agata Leszczynska, Artist and Illustrator notes.
Having been commissioned to create a bespoke mural for the renovated Orangery, part of The Landmark Nicosia, Autograph Collection Hotel, which is due to open in Nicosia over the coming months, Leszczynska is better placed that most to share an opinion on the subject.
In a recent interview with CBN, Leszczynska also shares her inspiration and vision for the unique project, talks about how the commission came about and reveals the specialist techniques she employed to carry it out.
The artist and illustrator, in addition, reveals the impact the project has had on her own creative journey.
Can you tell us more about how your collaboration with MHV through D/DOCK and the commission to create the mural came about?
I’ve been collaborating with D/DOCK on various artistic and design projects for several years. The character and function of these projects have varied, but their core has always been rooted in art — from carpet design to custom scenic wall-prints, and physical artworks that complement interior design.
Knowing my experience in mural art, D/DOCK invited me to create the ceiling mural for the Orangery in The Landmark Nicosia, Autograph Collection.
Through this project, I was introduced to MHV and had the opportunity to travel to Cyprus for the first time.
What is the story behind The Landmark Nicosia, Autograph Collection mural and its concept, and where did your find inspiration?
The ceiling fresco in the Orangery reflects Nicosia’s enduring relationship with water, a precious source of life in its dry landscape. Inspired by traditional patio gardens with wells and streams that nourished orange trees, the artwork transforms these life-giving elements into flowing, wavy lines.
These forms recall ancient Cypriot motifs, once engraved on pottery and wares exported across the Mediterranean, while also symbolising how diverse stories and cultures converge in Nicosia, a historic melting pot. Leaving space for viewers to wander freely into imagination, the fresco celebrates community, heritage, and the poetic spirit of Cypriot hospitality.
Can you tell us more about the mural in the context of its environment and its connection to The Landmark Nicosia, Autograph Collection? For example, how does it reflect the spirit of Cypriot heritage?
The ceiling fresco in the Orangery draws inspiration from the Ottoman villa patio, where mysterious well-nourished orange trees and plants grow through hidden streams. These courtyards were the centre of social life, where people gathered, shared, and created artifacts engraved with the flowing lines of water.
As streams multiplied into the sea, their waves seemed to reflect the stars, sparking imagination and memory. Translated into the mural, these wavy forms symbolise connection, heritage, and creativity.
In harmony with The Landmark Nicosia, the fresco transforms the ceiling into a poetic canvas of community and Cypriot hospitality.
Moving on to the artistic process, what technique, materials and approach did you use to create the mural? What were some of the challenges and special considerations involved in creating this large-scale ceiling mural?
The Orangery celling was carefully redesigned and rebuilt into four barrel vaults ceiling, which-covering approximately 206 square meters—were designated for the mural. These barrel vaults were constructed with acoustic panels and coated with acoustic paint.
Because the porous paint needed to maintain Its functional role in sound absorption, the mural was designed to cover only part of the celling, creating a 'broken line' effect that evokes the look of aged brushstrokes.
We specifically chose Egyptian Blue, a colour widely used in frescoes of that period, as our primary palette.
Given the large scale, we first developed the design of the flowing lines and then mapped them onto the celling using a grid system.
On a more personal note, what is your view on the role of Art in enriching hospitality spaces and making memories?
In my view, Art is a vessel which preserves heritage, it is a narrative tool for cultural exchange. In hospitality Art transforms spaces from mere environments into immersive experiences.
Art carries narrative and identity, connecting a space to its culture, history, or the story it wants to tell. It engages guests on multiple levels—visual, emotional, and even subconscious.
For me, art in hospitality is both a bridge and a catalyst: it connects people to the place, and to one another, while also sparking reflection—transforming a stay into a meaningful, lasting memory. Guests may not remember every detail of the room, but they remember how it made them feel.
Can you tell us about some of the other projects, perhaps with other acclaimed hotels and brands, you are most proud of?
One of my favorite projects was creating three distinct murals for Delamore Lodge on Waiheke Island, Aotearoa New Zealand—a luxury island resort. Each mural was designed in response to its specific context: a trompe-l’œil fossil mural behind the infinity pool, a mural depicting smoke rising from glass bottles seamlessly merged with a clay wall, and a floral garland in a secluded niche.
Another project I’m very proud of is the three-wall illustrative encyclopedia mural for Divine Diving Komodo in Labuan Bajo, Flores, Indonesia, which features 70 different fish species, celebrating the rich marine life of the area.
Finally, how has your experience doing this project impacted your personal journey as an artist?
This is the third ceiling mural I’ve created and by far the largest in terms of total surface. I’ve always been fascinated by Mediterranean culture and inspired by Southern European mythology, so it’s incredibly rewarding to create a piece that reflects and celebrates that legacy.
Working on The Landmark Nicosia mural gave me the opportunity to delve deeper into Cyprus’s history and arts, drawing inspiration directly from their place of origin.
Beyond the artistic experience, coming to Nicosia allowed me to meet truly inspiring people who have left an everlasting impression on me, both as an artist and as a person.
