When I think about my first impressions of Berlin and how this city is different from home, many things come to mind. Berlin is very bike-friendly, there is a relaxed atmosphere because of the many places to lounge, eat, and drink outdoors when the weather cooperates, and everything is very old and a little rough around the edges. Also, with each new neighbourhood that I explore, there are always a few unique things that add to their character.
I’ve stumbled upon a building that is completely abandoned and covered in graffiti – even the windows are gone – and is surrounded by other occupied apartments. I’ve seen a building with large flower sculptures attached to it that are as tall as the building itself. My favourite though, is a building with a mural called Astronaut/Cosmonaut (2007) by Victor Ash in Berlin-Kreuzberg (just east of Kottbusser Tor on the U1). I haven’t forgotten about these places from the first time I saw them. They are all unique and memorable, and make Berlin an exciting city to explore.
The astronaut mural taken from the corner of Mariannenstraße and Skalitzer Straße (Kreuzberg).
What gives Berlin that rough-around-the-edge feel is the graffiti. It’s EVERYWHERE! But it’s not always the typical graffiti that you would normally think of. Large drawings and often times, overlapping graffiti images and words make city buildings that are grey and stark more vibrant! I really enjoy seeing all of the colour mixed in with the plain buildings in Berlin. This is something that I haven’t quite seen anywhere else!
Graffiti near Kottbusser Tor. If you look closely there is a small, orange stick figure painted over and contrasting the look of the old graffiti – a hidden surprise when walking through the neighbourhood.
What murals, graffiti, or art have you spotted on buildings?
Cheers,
Sara