Plus 7 days: The chest as a work of art

On March 8, 2026, the Slovak weekly Plus 7 dní published a report by Lívia Černická entitled A chest as a work of art: An artist from Brno adds color and a new story to a farewell. In it, the author goes directly to the Brno studio of Mirka Kosečková and watches the transformation of an ordinary wooden surface into an original work that can tell about a specific person.

Another color of the last farewell

The report begins with an experience familiar to many families: when arranging a funeral, a number of practical decisions need to be made in a short time. At the same time, the range of coffins often differs in shape and design, but the color remains very moderate. In the Painted Coffin studio, this view changes. Sadness is not hidden, but a reminder of life is given space alongside it.

Plus 7 days describes motifs of flowers, doves, birds, mountains and folklore ornaments. This is not a random decoration. Each motif can refer to a person's character, his hobbies, the landscape he liked, or a memory his family shares with him.

Original for one life

An important idea is voiced in the article: just as each person is unique, the form of their final farewell can also be unique. Some people are close to magnolias or roses, to others forest, mountains or a strong musical motif. Hand painting allows these elements to be connected into one calm and comprehensible visual story.

The same principle can also be transferred to the urn. The report resembles a wooden urn with a horse in a blooming meadow, created for a woman who loved horses. Looking at a specific picture then not only leads to the thought of leaving, but above all to the memory of what brought joy to a person.

When family gets involved

A separate part of the reportage is the possibility to involve survivors in the creation. They can add a short message, a drawing or a handprint to the casket. Such a step must always be voluntary and sensitive, but for some it can become a silent ritual of farewell — a moment when you can express without haste what it is difficult to find words for.

In the interview, Mirka explains that the colorful and personal appearance of the coffin can also help younger family members approach the farewell with less fear. Color doesn't take away pain, but it can create a kinder space for closeness, remembrance, and gratitude.

A topic that opens the conversation

Not everyone perceives a painted coffin the same way. The report captures the enthusiasm as well as the more conservative reactions. It is this variety that shows why it makes sense to talk about the form of the final farewell in time. There is no one-size-fits-all solution; it is important that the chosen form is in harmony with the person and his loved ones.

We thank the editors of Plus 7 days for visiting the studio and presenting the topic without sensationalism — as a combination of artistic craft, personal story and family care in a sensitive moment.