"For me, 'home' is less of a place and more of a feeling."

In 2026, Lionel David will create his artwork “Home” on the street art wall on Bahnmeisterweg. In this interview, the visual artist explains the inspiration behind the design, how Winterthur has inspired him, and why he wants to create a moment of tranquility at the bustling train station.

Artist Lionel David in front of his mural “Home.”

Lionel David with his tool of choice: the paintbrush.

Your work is titled “Home.” What does “Home” mean to you, and how is that reflected in the mural?
Lionel David: For me,“Home” is less a place than a feeling. The mural is about a sense of security, peace, and the moment of finding oneself. The image deliberately leaves room for viewers to find their own memories and associations within it.

How did the idea for “Home” come about, and what role does Winterthur play in it?
The format was a real challenge... After some trial and error, I realized that I wanted to depict someone lying down in order to make the most of the wall’s length. Winterthur’s textile heritage was an important starting point and inspired the fabric motif. The fabric landscape references this heritage without coming across as historical. Step by step, this evolved into an image that captures the essence of the place in both color and mood.

What is your personal connection to Winterthur?
I used to DJ here often and always felt very at home. About two years ago, I had the opportunity to create a mural at the Lokwerk. I really appreciate the cultural scene here, with places like the old bus depot and events such as the “ Jungkunst,” Musikfestwochen, and so on. That makes it all the more wonderful to now be part of the public space with this mural.

How does the location near the train station influence your work?
For me, the location is an important part of the work. The train station is a noisy place with a lot of activity—with “Home,” I wanted to create a quiet counterpoint.

Finally: What do you hope passersby will take away with them when they stop in front of “Home”?
I hope the work helps peopleslow down for a moment. If someone pauses and discovers something personal in it, the image has served its purpose.