For the past several years, we at Capano Management have been fortunate enough to work with the incredibly talented artist and designer Christian Kanienberg, known in the art world as WISH. His unique vision and skills have allowed us to bring stunning murals to various locations throughout Wilmington, Delaware.
Kanienberg’s ability to produce striking graphic art design, large-scale compositions, and brilliant sculptures made him an obvious choice to undertake the projects envisioned by our team. “Nearly everything we have done so far has been original art soaked in nostalgia. It’s my sweet spot,” said Kanienberg. “Eclectic nods to the past through motifs, fonts, or vintage objects themselves, are the best way to pay tribute – and cleverly draw attention – to the custom visuals we are communicating with.”
Zachary Busby, Director of Marketing for Capano Management and Christie Haupt, Director of Capano Residential, worked closely with Kanienberg to develop the concepts that WISH would bring to life. “I speak from first-hand experience that his creativity and talent bring a significant and measurable impact on any project he’s working on” Busby said. “Christian’s work has been instrumental in the Capano Residential brand reflecting a unique and effective aesthetic that accurately represents our passion for creating a higher standard of living for our residents.”
Two of WISH’s murals can be seen amidst the trendy restaurants, shops, and galleries in the heart of Trolley Square; one harkening back to the area’s history as a major railway hub, the other a stylized retro feature for The Falls, a Capano Residential community on the site of the historic Bancroft Mill.
Beyond the unbeatable views of the rolling Brandywine river and scenic woodlands, residents at The Falls enjoy a WISH mural of their own, based on an original vintage postcard of the Bancroft Mills Company, hand painted on bricks reclaimed from the vintage textile mill.
“Some artists need absolute creative control and others need a blueprint. I tend to work in a way where I request a wish list for a project, and I then return with a sound vision, which has developed a signature in recent years” said Kanienberg. “In turn, Zachary, Christie and the good folks with Capano have given me the perfect cocktail of guidance with freedom, and the results speak for themselves.”
The remodeling of Branmar Wine and Spirits presented one of those “perfect cocktail” opportunities for WISH to add a unique style to the 50-year-old business located in Branmar Plaza. Among other décor and stylistic changes, WISH included a mural inspired by the shop’s wares to greet shoppers as they enter.
“It’s been a tremendous collaboration” Busby continued “and thankfully- we’re not done yet.” You can find more great work by WISH at whatiswish.com, or follow him on instagram at @what.is.wish.
Written by Stephen Geer, Marketing Manager, Capano Management
