The Magic Fern
Alingsås
A vivid tale of longing and consequence – mural by Natalia Rak
Tucked away on a gable wall at Kungsgatan 9 in Alingsås, The Magic Fern draws the viewer into a vibrant visual narrative filled with wonder, mystery, and moral depth. Created by Polish artist Natalia Rak during the Artscape Saga project in 2019, the mural is inspired by a Polish folk tale by J. I. Kraszewski, and tells a timeless story of desire, temptation, and the cost of ignoring wisdom.
“Some gifts can’t be shared – and some wishes come at a price.”
The tale follows a young boy who ventures into the forest during the summer solstice, searching for a mythical fern said to bloom just once a year. After years of trying, he finally finds the magical flower that promises to grant all his wishes – but under one strict condition: he must never share his happiness with another living soul. Overcome with excitement, the boy ignores the warning, only to discover that his greatest dream becomes his greatest curse.
Rak’s mural captures this emotional journey with her signature use of rich, glowing colors and surreal compositions. The magical fern glows like a beacon, while the boy's silhouette hints at the weight of his decision. The piece becomes not just a visual story, but a moral reflection – one that speaks to both young and old.
Natalia Rak (b. 1986) is internationally recognized for her large-scale murals filled with color, emotion, and symbolism. Educated at the Academy of Fine Arts in Łódź, Poland, she draws inspiration from vintage illustrations, dreams, folklore, and artists such as Jacek Malczewski and Hans Rudolf Giger.
The Magic Fern is one of three murals created in Alingsås for the Artscape Saga project, where international artists brought fairy tales from around the world to life on urban walls across 12 municipalities in western Sweden.