BustArt – Pop-Graffiti Between Past and Future

Teufelsberg in Berlin has long been a magnet for street artists from around the world. In this creative setting, BustArt, a leading figure in graffiti-pop, has left behind two remarkable works of art. His pieces from 2018 and 2023 not only showcase his technical finesse but also his distinctive ability to detach iconic characters from their original contexts and imbue them with new meaning.

The Monumental Mural

In October 2023, BustArt participated in the Street Art Festival at Teufelsberg, leaving behind an imposing artwork on the west side of the main building. Measuring 11 by 14 meters, this piece is a true eye-catcher. However, its creation was anything but easy.

BustArt recalls that the process began under ideal conditions, with sunshine and pleasant temperatures. But Berlin’s unpredictable October weather soon presented challenges: rain, wind, and cold made painting difficult. To protect himself, he improvised by converting his lifting platform into a makeshift tent, layering up with five layers of clothing, and keeping himself motivated with music. The wall’s surface proved particularly challenging, as numerous overpainted layers made drying difficult. As a result, he had to apply the paint multiple times until he achieved the perfect outcome. After six intense days—being the first to arrive at the site and the last to leave—his work was finally complete.

The mural features BustArt’s signature blend of pop art, graffiti, and iconic cartoon figures. At its center is a large, dynamic cartoon character, vividly brought to life with bold colors and strong contrasts. Surrounding it are various pop-cultural elements: comic book heroes, distorted advertising icons, and abstract patterns reminiscent of classic graffiti tags. His “cut and paste” technique, in which he merges elements from different contexts, creates a powerful visual language. The overlapping layers of paint and intentional blurring add depth to the piece, continuously revealing new details upon closer inspection.

A Pop-Cultural Explosion

Back in 2018, BustArt had already left his mark at Teufelsberg with another artwork, located on the first floor of the gallery. It depicts a woman with wide, startled eyes, her expression conveying surprise or even shock. Beside her, a mischievous cartoon cat peers playfully into the scene. The striking colors—vibrant blue, bright yellow, and deep red—create a visually intense impact. The dynamic composition, where various visual elements seamlessly blend, gives the artwork a captivating energy.

This piece is a prime example of BustArt’s earlier creative phase, during which he focused heavily on stencils and figurative motifs. The clean lines and bold style evoke the aesthetic of vintage comic strips, fused with modern street art elements. Here, too, his talent is evident in recontextualizing familiar figures, prompting viewers to see them in a new and unexpected way.

BustArt began his career in 1999 with traditional graffiti before evolving his style through travels across Europe. In Amsterdam, he found a creative home, fully dedicating himself to his art. Over the years, his style has shifted from political stencils to elaborate compositions that merge classic graffiti elements with pop art and cartoon imagery.

For BustArt, street art is more than just artistic expression—it’s direct communication with people on the street. His goal is to create surprising and colorful works that make viewers think. He has already made his mark in cities like New York, London, Paris, and Mumbai, leaving behind traces of his unmistakable style worldwide.

The two artworks at Teufelsberg represent both his artistic evolution and the vibrant street art scene in Berlin. They highlight how this location continues to attract creative minds from around the world, telling new stories in color with every brushstroke.