During the Power of Female Art festival in March 2024, the Jambalya Tower at Teufelsberg received a vibrant new look. Clearly visible from our bar, a colourful mural by Júlia Mota Albuquerque, better known as Land of Júlia, now adorns the striking structure. Her work merges Brazilian art history with her own illustrative style, creating a vivid statement of cultural diversity and female strength.

A Tribute to Tarsila do Amaral

For her mural at Teufelsberg, Júlia drew inspiration from one of Brazil’s most renowned painters: Tarsila do Amaral. In particular, her iconic piece Abaporú—widely considered one of the most significant works of modern Brazilian art—served as a key reference. Abaporú features an oversized figure seated in a vast landscape, surrounded by a cactus under a radiant blue sky. The colour palette—blue, yellow, and green—mirrors the Brazilian flag.

Júlia reinterpreted these elements in her own distinctive style. Her signature aesthetic, influenced by her background as an illustrator, is characterized by bold, flat shapes and a nearly cartoon-like appearance. The result is a contemporary take on Amaral’s work that not only pays tribute to Brazil’s artistic heritage but also establishes a visual connection between Berlin and Brazil.

The Power of Female Art festival celebrated women in art and made a powerful statement for greater visibility and equality in the art world. Júlia’s mural was a perfect example of the impact of female artistry—both as an inspiration and as an active contribution to the contemporary art scene. Her work at Teufelsberg is a striking testament to how female artists continue to shape history—both past and present.

Art Between Berlin and Brazil

Júlia Mota Albuquerque hails from Minas Gerais, a large state in southeastern Brazil. Though she currently resides in Berlin, she frequently travels between the two countries, whether for artistic projects or simply due to her passion for discovering new places.

Her artistic range is broad: she works on digital illustrations for branding, advertising, and publications, as well as large-scale murals and installations. Making art accessible to everyone is especially important to her. That’s why she is drawn to urban spaces, where her murals not only enhance cityscapes but also engage local communities.

Diversity and Unity as Core Themes

Júlia’s work revolves around themes of diversity, inclusion, and community. Her murals are not just visually striking—they carry a deeper message: they aim to bring people together and create a positive impact on the cities where they are displayed. This is why she is particularly drawn to bustling metropolises—she wants her art to be experienced, not just seen.

Beyond mural painting, she regularly experiments with new media. She illustrates, animates, paints objects, and explores textile techniques such as tufting. Her long-term goal is to create large-scale public installations—projects that go beyond art and foster interaction.

Júlia’s work can now be found in multiple countries. Her murals grace walls in France, Belgium, Germany, the Czech Republic, and Brazil. Her artistic signature is unmistakable: bold colors, clear shapes, and a playful yet profound visual language.

With her contribution to the Power of Female Art festival, Júlia Mota Albuquerque has not only added a new visual highlight to Teufelsberg but also brought a piece of Brazilian art history to Berlin. Her work honours the legendary Tarsila do Amaral while seamlessly fitting into Júlia’s own artistic vision: colourful, accessible, and carrying a powerful message.

Teufelsberg, a symbol of Berlin’s cultural diversity, serves as a unique canvas for artists to express their messages in remarkable ways. One such artist is Damian Yves Rohde, better known as DYR, whose contribution to the #FreiheitBerlin installation reflects his distinct style and creative vision.

“Glitch Bitch”: A Statement on Freedom and Diversity

The letter “N” in the #FreiheitBerlin installation, titled Glitch Bitch, embodies DYR’s interpretation of freedom. For him, freedom means the ability to “do and say what you want, as long as you don’t harm anyone. It’s a foundation, a basis where people don’t have to agree but can present their views and argue in a respectful way.” His work emphasizes respect for gender, religion, clothing, and lifestyle—independent of personal preferences.

The design of the “N” stands out with its vibrant colours, bold contrasts, and dynamic forms. The faces depicted, characteristic of DYR’s style, exude energy and emotion. The bright colour accents and glitch-inspired patterns in the background lend the piece a modern, digital aesthetic that is both playful and socially relevant. This fusion of pop art and social commentary makes Glitch Bitch a perfect representation of freedom within the Berlin context.

As DYR explains: “Berlin is a place where anyone can walk around as they please and say what they want, as long as they remain respectful.” This essence of tolerance and individuality shines through in his work.

From West Berlin to International Recognition

Born in 1985 in West Berlin, Damian Yves Rohde grew up in a multicultural environment that deeply influenced his artistic journey. Raised in the vibrant Kreuzberg and Schöneberg art scenes, he was surrounded by budding and established artists, which fostered his early passion for art. The graffiti culture on the Berlin Wall and exhibitions he attended further shaped his creative development.

Since 2020, DYR has leaned further into pop art, developing a unique style. He abstracts faces from his close circle, reducing them to essential features while maintaining their recognizability. His work is both deeply personal and universally relatable, earning him recognition not just in Berlin but also internationally, with exhibitions in Paris, London, and other cities.

Between Wildness and Individuality

In addition to his contribution to the #FreiheitBerlin installation, DYR created another remarkable piece in the Gallery Tower at Teufelsberg. This mural combines human and animal elements in a dynamic display of his pop art aesthetic.

At the centre of the mural is a stylized bear’s head, complete with bright orange sunglasses and a wide-open mouth showcasing sharp teeth. The bear is simultaneously aggressive and playful, symbolizing Berlin’s untamed energy, wrapped in a modern cultural vibe.

Flanking the bear are two abstracted human figures, crafted in the same distinctive style as the faces on the letter “N.” Their vibrant colours, striking facial features, and playful accessories demonstrate DYR’s unique interpretation of individuality and diversity. The connection between the mural and the “N” underscores DYR’s consistent artistic identity, weaving a recognizable thread through his works.

The mural’s background features deep, rich tones that enhance the boldness of the figures and the bear, creating a striking visual impact. This stylistic continuity between the letter and the mural showcases how DYR translates his signature approach across different formats, while still telling new stories.

At Teufelsberg, history meets contemporary art—a place where creative visions come to life and visitors leave inspired. One artist who has left a lasting impression here is Caro Pepe. Originally from Argentina and living in Berlin since 2012, Caro Pepe has created two remarkable works: the letter “I” for the #FreiheitBerlin installation and the mural “Rebellion in the Carousel” as part of the 2024 Power of Female Art Festival.

A Visual Meditation

Caro Pepe’s contribution to the #FreiheitBerlin installation explores the concept of freedom in its most profound and emotional sense. Her letter “I” is not just a visual piece—it is a philosophical one. For Caro, art is freedom: the freedom to express emotions, organize thoughts, and let go of burdensome ideas. She describes her creative process as a meditative act: “Art makes me feel lighter, it fulfills me, and it frees me from unwanted things.”

The background of her work features fluid, vibrant brushstrokes in varying shades of blue, creating a sense of powerful motion—almost as if an invisible wind sweeps through the piece. This dynamic structure gives the letter an energy that symbolizes freedom as movement and transformation.

At the center of the letter, a branch with budding leaves emerges, representing growth, renewal, and breaking free from rigid structures. These buds seem to grow directly out of the swirling background, suggesting an organic emancipation driven by inner forces. This interplay between the dynamic backdrop and the organic center showcases Caro Pepe’s skill in weaving visual and emotional layers. For her, this piece is a reflection on freedom as an internal journey: “Freedom that releases us from heavy thoughts and freedom that allows us to grow.”

Introspective Art

Caro Pepe’s artistic journey began in advertising, where she worked as an art director in Buenos Aires and Madrid before committing fully to her passion for art. After moving to Berlin in 2012, she launched her career as a freelance artist and muralist, painting and exhibiting her work worldwide—from Europe and South America to Asia.

Her art is characterized by an intimate engagement with emotions, with her iconic “One-Eyed” women being a recurring motif. These figures represent subjectivity and personal perception of reality. “We all see only a part of the truth and define our world based on that,” she explains. This introspective perspective runs through her entire body of work, making it both deeply personal and universally resonant.

Strength and Transformation

In addition to the letter “I,” Caro Pepe created the striking mural “Rebellion in the Carousel” during the 2024 Power of Female Art Festival. Painted on the wall of the former canteen, this piece tells a story of resilience and breaking free from old patterns.

At the center of “Rebellion in the Carousel” stands the one-eyed woman, surrounded by a crumbling carousel—a metaphor for endless cycles and repetitive routines. She actively dismantles the carousel, and its fragments and loose ribbons visually capture the moment of liberation. The woman exudes determination and strength; her upright posture and intense gaze, even with only one visible eye, convey both depth and resolve.

Caro Pepe’s technical approach enhances the drama and symbolism of the piece. Using spray paint, acrylics, and wall emulsion, she brings movement and vitality to the scene. The warm copper tones combined with cool blues create a compelling contrast between the stability of the central figure and the chaos of the collapsing carousel. Up close, intricate details like the ornate manes of the carousel horses become visible, while from a distance, the mural reveals its full, commanding presence.

This mural is not just a visual masterpiece but also a profound symbol of courage—the courage to break free from entrenched patterns. It invites viewers to reflect on their own cycles and inspires them to take the leap toward transformation.

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.

CAZ.L is one of the most exciting names in the international street art scene. Through her powerful stencil and mural art, she brings walls to life, blending urban energy with profound messages. At Teufelsberg, she has left her mark with two impressive works: the striking “E” from the #FreiheitBerlin installation and the captivating “Medusa” mural, created during the Power of Female Art Festival in 2024. Both pieces tell stories of freedom, resistance, and the vibrant energy of city life.

The Thieves of the City

Standing before the “E” of the #FreiheitBerlin installation, you’ll encounter two iconic urban dwellers: a seagull and a crow. With these clever birds, CAZ.L captures the essence of city life. Seagulls and crows are masters of adaptation—free and independent, navigating urban landscapes, taking what they need, and overcoming barriers with ease.

The bold magenta background makes the birds stand out vividly. Around their necks hang peace pendants, a deliberate symbol that ties the message of freedom to a call for peace. CAZ.L describes her work as follows: “The crow and the seagull, the thieves of the city. Clever and skilled, they take their freedom.”

Through this piece, CAZ.L shows that freedom is never a given—it requires responsibility, creativity, and courage. The birds represent an unyielding desire for independence but also reflect the challenges that come with such freedom. This “E” is more than just a letter—it’s a powerful statement about urban life: raw, free, and full of possibilities.

CAZ.L and Her Vision

Behind the name CAZ.L is Ann, a Berlin-born artist who has gained worldwide recognition for her extraordinary stencil and mural art. Her artistic journey began on the streets of Berlin, where she transformed the city’s facades into stunning canvases. To reach the tallest walls and enjoy the breathtaking views over the city’s rooftops, she even went so far as to earn a crane operator’s license.

Her works are characterized by a harmonious interplay of color, light, and shadow, bringing both small-scale and large-scale pieces to life. She says of her mission: “My art is meant to spark unexpected smiles and bring a sense of community to neighborhoods.”

As a three-time finalist of the World Stencil Art Prize, CAZ.L has firmly established herself in the international street art scene. Her art can be found on the streets of cities across Europe and the USA, as well as in renowned galleries. Through her work, she combines creativity, a social message, and a desire to connect people.

Medusa: Between Myth and Reality

One of CAZ.L’s most striking murals was created as part of the Power of Female Art Festival on International Women’s Day in March 2024. Located in the Kantine at Teufelsberg, the mural “Medusa” explores a different kind of freedom—one of self-determination and resistance against injustice.

In this piece, the mythological figure Medusa is reimagined in a powerful and evocative way. Once a priestess of the goddess Athena, Medusa was renowned for her extraordinary beauty—a gift that became her curse. She was assaulted by the sea god Poseidon in Athena’s temple, and Athena, perceiving the act as a violation of her sacred space, transformed Medusa into a monster. From that moment, any man who looked upon her would turn to stone.

Using vivid colors, intertwined serpents as hair to emphasize her dual nature, and a piercing gaze, CAZ.L portrays Medusa in all her complexity. She is both victim and warrior—a symbol of pain, strength, and transformation. The mural seamlessly merges mythology with a modern feminist perspective, highlighting how women are often forced by external violence to discover their inner power. This message resonated strongly within the context of the Power of Female Art Festival.

Whether you’re marveling at the clever birds in the “E” or standing before “Medusa’s” penetrating gaze, CAZ.L’s art is sure to captivate and move you. Both works invite reflection and leave a lasting impression.