Whether on the Grossglockner, in cities such as Zurich or now in Vienna: when painter Anna Meyer takes her pictures into public spaces, it is always a major coup. Her paintings address the most difficult issues currently affecting our society and our planet – with regard to the toxic relationship between humans and nature – without beating around the bush. And at the same time they sparkle with cheerfulness and humor. Anna Meyer's latest work lights up two residential building facades of the ÖSW (Österreichisches Siedlungswerk) in Vienna's 12th district – and makes people think. The murals are the first in a series of projects initiated by the ÖSW Group.

“Snail Shell warns Flying Snail” is a surreal wall painting spanning two façades that reveals a great deal of reality on closer inspection. Immersed in Anna Meyer's characteristic combination of glistening colors and strong contrasts, animals, humans and hybrid creatures live in a mobile living utopia. In this utopia, “the snail shell embodies the mother of all houses, as a primal house and as a hybrid between plant, animal, human and dwelling”, says the artist. The snail is optimally positioned both economically and ecologically, its spiral-shaped shelter stands for ideally shielded living space – pioneering climate-neutral construction.

In Anna Meyer's pictorial world, all kinds of creatures bravely defy the effects of climate change: seals appear under the copper beech tree included in the picture. It seems to be shedding a few tears. And yet you want to smile as you look on: “Flying snail hybrids fly away with soft feathers like guardian angels” (Anna Meyer) from the rising water. Creatures and seals are reminiscent of the Viennese play sculptures in the form of animals that are traditionally installed in residential buildings. Their protective vests stand for the protection of life, housing and the world of work and at the same time are a long-reverberating warning of the climate crisis.