Benzi Brofman – An Artist Who Moves the World
Have you ever experienced an artwork that changed your perspective on the world? Benzi Brofman has the gift of creating such impactful pieces, and we are thrilled that he has left one of them at Teufelsberg. Let yourself be captivated by his fascinating murals and discover the stories behind them in this article.
Versatile Artworks
Benzi Brofman is a street artist and muralist from Migdal HaEmek in northern Israel. Without formal art training, he independently made his way into the world of mural painting. Today, he leaves his artistic mark in various cities worldwide. So if you find yourself in Vienna, Barcelona, or Budapest, keep an eye out for his works. Particularly, the famous Brick Lane in London is one of his favourite spots for spray painting.
Brofman not only creates graffiti walls in cities around the globe but also designs murals for restaurants, high-tech offices, and communities. His creative ideas have brightened ice cream shops in Berlin and bagel shops in London.
In addition, he hosts graffiti parties for children, workshops for companies, and gives lectures on graffiti. He is active not only in the business world but also in volunteer and community projects promoting social causes, such as bullying prevention among children and teenagers and the promotion of human rights. His artistic activities often aim to raise awareness of various social issues and bring society together.
Art as a Response to Violence
On October 7, 2023, Brofman narrowly escaped the deadly Hamas attacks. The day before, he was at an event in Kibbutz Re’im, painting live at a trance event. He initially planned to spend the weekend there but left early because his wife was ill, and he had an uneasy feeling.
Since then, he has dedicated his art mainly to the victims and abductees of the Hamas massacre. His portraits of these individuals carry the poignant message, “Bring them home now.” The first of these works was created in Haifa. Subsequently, the Israeli embassy in London asked him to use his art to draw attention to the dire situation of the hostages, followed by a commission in Berlin.
Girls Just Want to Have Fun
Brofman’s preferred style features realistic black-and-white portraits with colourful backgrounds and accompanying texts. His greatest inspiration is people themselves, with the hope that his works bring joy, inspiration, or comfort – “People come before art,” he says. As a child, he was fascinated by faces, especially eyes, which reveal much about a person. Many of his works include texts that provoke thought and clearly convey his messages. Benzi also created such a piece at Teufelsberg.
“The mural I painted at Teufelsberg combines an important message with humour – two characters from the Golden Age and a cat with the message that one should enjoy every moment in life, no matter how old. It is all about attitude, and even if you are 70 years old, you can be young and enjoy life to the fullest.”
His art is not just a visual representation but a deeper message about life and humanity. His realistic portraits and colourful backgrounds celebrate the human spirit and remind us to appreciate each day and make the most of it.
Benzi Brofman’s art touches the soul and moves hearts. Despite all difficulties, his passion for art, especially murals, has overcome negative voices from the past and his fears. Today, he uses his art to empower children and teenagers and to create art that benefits others. Let yourself be inspired by his works and visit Teufelsberg to experience the magic of his art up close. Until then, check out our exciting Instagram Reel about Benzi!