Kreuzberg

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Photo by Zachary Leonard
Victor Ash designed and stenciled this Mural named “Cosmonaut.” It is intended to “explore the contrasts between subject matter and the environment it inhabits” (“Berlin’s Top”). This astronaut looms over the citizens of Kreuzberg, reminding them how easily it is to become psychologically frozen in time.

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Photo by Zachary Leonard
This work of art was done by ROA, a street artist who focuses extensively on death and decay. His murals consist of animals native to his canvas, which are usually the sides of buildings and edifices, and represent the cycle of human life (“Berlin’s Top”).

IMG_0645 Photo by Zachary Leonard
Search and Destroy: graffiti art by an unknown artist. These black and white angler fish represent curiosity and demolition, a possible symbol of the restructuring of Berlin.

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Photo by Nikki Cotton
Subject to gentrification and immigration, Kreuzberg remains a highly political, socially non-conforming area of Berlin that is most expressive through it’s street art. Here the artist is unknown, but the pink squid, bulging face, and colorful slurs are representative of pain, suffering, and disturbance: characteristics well-known to the inhabitants of the area.

Apartment
Photo by Emily Locke
The same mural is displayed here from a different angle. The rainbow and squid completely submerge the building; a clear remnant and example of the squatter movement, designed to protest gentrification.

Frankenstein
Photo by Emily Locke
Artist unknown. Political representation left for individual interpretation.

The Steps
Photo by Emily Locke
Graffiti of this style litters the streets in Kreuzberg, as well as the buildings, elementary schools, and playgrounds.

Donald Trump?
Photo by Emily Locke
Created by unknown artists, these faces epitomize the expressive protest and political outcries of the citizens within Berlin.

The Bench
Photo by Emily Locke
The street functions as a “forum for democratic interaction through language” (Preece 137). As seen here, many people have communicated through artistic expression.