Letter R – KOTTITAUBE – Pigeons as a Statement
When you look at the #FreiheitBerlin artwork at Teufelsberg, the powerful ‘R’ immediately draws you in. This creation is the work of Till Jürgens, better known as KOTTITAUBE, a Berlin-based graffiti artist and communication designer. His name reflects his roots in Kottbusser Tor, Kreuzberg, where he grew up in the 1980s, deeply influenced by Berlin’s vibrant lifestyle and rebellious graffiti culture.
The Language of Pigeons
KOTTITAUBE uses the ‘R’ to tell a powerful and layered story. On one side, a pigeon is bound with red barbed wire—an evocative symbol of restriction and oppression. On the other, the barbed wire unravels, and the pigeon takes flight into freedom. This stark contrast captures the tension between control and liberation, a universal theme relevant in many global contexts.
The pigeon depicted is not the traditional white dove of peace but a gray urban pigeon—a deliberate symbol of city life. It represents adaptability and resilience, shaped by the harsh realities of urban environments like Berlin, where KOTTITAUBE himself grew up.
The ‘R’ features phrases such as “R as in fRRee Palestine! R as in Rafah! Don’t let them silence your beak!” These words highlight the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the city of Rafah in the Gaza Strip, symbolizing blockades and military tensions. The red barbed wire reinforces these themes, representing both restrictions and the persistent yearning for freedom.
Another striking detail is the red figure riding the pigeon, carrying a white flag with a watermelon. The watermelon, with its colors—red, green, white, and black—mirroring the Palestinian flag, has become a symbol of resistance. It is often used as a subtle expression of cultural identity and solidarity in the face of restrictions.
The repeated emphasis on the letter ‘R’ is multi-faceted: “R as in fRRee Palestine!” and “R as in Rafah!” not only refer to the letter itself but also evoke the cooing of a pigeon—a rough “Grrr” that symbolizes persistence and resilience.
The artwork’s details are captivating: the pigeon’s determined gaze, the red barbed wire winding through the scene like a silent reminder, and the surreal crystalline forms at the bottom of the letter. Each element highlights the obstacles that must be overcome to achieve freedom and peace.
KOTTITAUBE’s Roots
KOTTITAUBE describes himself as an artist whose life has been shaped by letters. His love for typography began in his youth when he gained international recognition alongside other graffiti artists. He later deepened this passion through studies in communication design, exploring new media such as 3D modeling, video animation, and virtual reality.
His artistic versatility is the result of a decades-long dedication to letters, colors, and design. From the graffiti of Kreuzberg’s streets to cutting-edge digital projects, KOTTITAUBE has seamlessly blended tradition and innovation in his work.
A Faceless Pigeon
On the second floor of the Teufelsberg tower, KOTTITAUBE has created another remarkable piece: a monumental urban pigeon with an expansive wingspan. Notably, the pigeon’s face is hidden—obscured by a red line that acts like a barrier or dividing mark. This detail invites interpretation: it could symbolize the invisibility and silence faced by urban pigeons and people alike, particularly those in marginalized or conflict-laden environments. It serves as a reminder of how easily individuals can be overlooked or pushed to the fringes.
The crystalline structures surrounding the pigeon, reminiscent of shattered glass or ice, enhance the contrast between strength and fragility. They seem to represent both obstacles and the beauty that can emerge amidst danger. This dynamic tension makes the artwork a visual metaphor for the challenges of urban life or conflict-ridden contexts.
This mural reflects KOTTITAUBE’s signature style: an exploration of contrasts such as strength and fragility, visibility and invisibility. The pigeon, a symbol of adaptability and resilience, remains an enigma, challenging viewers to look deeper and derive their own interpretation of the intricate message.
Through his works at Teufelsberg, KOTTITAUBE demonstrates not only his artistic skill but also his ability to convey complex ideas through subtle symbols and powerful imagery. His pigeons stand for resistance, adaptation, and the relentless pursuit of freedom—both in Berlin and around the world.