You may have found yourself wandering the colourful streets of Kreuzberg in Berlin and been seized with awe in front of these amazing pieces of street art, painted on walls and facades. There is a particular motif that is magnificent: cosmonauts. Yet how is it that this forms its own unique story as a form of urban art?
The History of Cosmonaut Streetart
Traditionally, street art was blossoming in Kreuzberg, a place full of alternative and artistic possibilities, in the course of the 1980’s and 1990’s. During those days it was a time when Berlin was still separated from each other by the infamously wall that separated Berlin Wall and where Kreuzberg was a bohemian and rebellious neighborhood.
Together with other street arts of Kreuzberg, cosmonauts also became a recurring symbols of the Cold War and the underlying rivalry between the Soviet Union and the United States. These space explorers were used by artists to upset the norm and to express their wish of freedom and exploration.
Exploring the Meaning
The cosmonaut street art in Kreuzberg is not just history. In a way it represents the dreams of the artists that created it and a generation that would be willing to work, that wanted change. In addition, it represents the notion of rebellion to political and social conditions.
Each artist may interpret these same images as they choose but the theme all of the cosmonauts have in common is one of adventure, escape, and getting off this wriggle. They persuade us to engage in mystery or metaphorically uncharted territories.
Who are the Artists?
Street art is beautiful because it is anonymous. Significant numbers of artists choose to sign their work with such common pseudonyms as tags. However, some of the well-known street artists have become linked to the cosmonaut motif in Kreuzberg.
- Victor Ash: Victor Ash is a French street artist whose large scale murals have contributed to the world of Berlin art scene. The watering down of the Berlin Wall as an armature for light, reminiscent of Krispín’s iconic work ‘Astronaut Cosmonaut,’ with a floating astronaut, has made it immortalize in Kreuzberg as an emblematic piece.
- BLU: Italian street artist best known for his politically charged and thought provoking works. The murals by BLU typically comment on social issues, and have the detailed intricacies that invite viewers into conversations on multiple planes of understanding.
- XOOOOX: A German street artist whose name is unknown, but is known for his stencil art which often includes cosmonaut imagery. Knowing XOOOOX’s style, it varies very little and is characterized by its unique combination of street art techniques combined with a dash of surrealism.
Exploring Kreuzberg
To fully immerse yourself in the vibrant street art culture of Kreuzberg, take a stroll through the neighborhood’s most renowned spots:
- Schlesisches Tor: Begin your search at Schlesisches Tor with a number of cosmonaut themed works to be found around. If you spot Victor Ash’s ‘Astronaut Cosmonaut’ mural.
- Mariannenplatz: Exploring Mariannenplatz’s backstreets, you’ll come across hidden gems of street art while heading towards Mariannenplatz. While we weren’t able to capture the entirety of BLU’s more thought provoking murals, make sure to keep an eye out.
- Wrangelkiez: A nice walk around the Wrangelkiez area to appreciate XOOOOX’s unique stencil art. You’ll see cosmonauts interweaven with other urban motifs.
Respect the town the artists live in and the work you are about to do. Street art is a major part of local culture and the way your appreciation helps preserve this is where it can play a part.
Conclusion
The cosmonaut street art in Kreuzberg, Berlin, offers a glimpse into the cultural and historical legacy of the neighborhood. This is the symbol of freedom, exploration, and rebellion from traditional mores to carry! While exploring the streets of Kreuzberg take a moment to appreciate the beauty and more of these stunning cosmonaut murals.
Get ready for an art experience beyond boundaries, transforming those around you into an audience in waiting for the soul stirring power of art.
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