Dan Kitchener, who has worked with stars like Lenny Kravitz, Paul McCartney, and Miley Cyrus, is considered a true legend in the world of street art. With his distinctive style, he has created stunning murals worldwide, inspired by his travels through South America, Europe, Asia, and Africa. But what makes him and his art so unique? Find out in this article, where we delve into his career, style, and his work at Teufelsberg.

Dan’s Journey to Street Art

Born in Essex in 1974, Dan Kitchener, also known as “DANK,” began his artistic career at university, initially focusing on conceptual art and illustration. However, he quickly realized this was not his path. Instead, he found his passion in creating underground comics and gradually turned towards street art. After his studies, Dan worked in TV post-production, creating animations and motion graphics for commercials, music videos, and film intros. This job allowed him to explore elements like lighting, composition, and dynamic perspectives—elements that would later define his art.

Dan discovered his true passion on the streets of London. He used every free moment to find new locations for his art and fill the city’s walls with his works. This relentless drive to express himself creatively eventually led him to leave his job in the TV industry and become a full-time artist.

A Piece of Tokyo in Berlin

Dan Kitchener’s art is heavily influenced by urban themes, inspired by everyday life and the impressions he gathers from his surroundings. He finds beauty in the most unassuming corners of the city and is particularly fascinated by the interplay between light, shadow, and composition. A standout example of this style is his mural at Teufelsberg.

The mural depicts a rain-soaked street illuminated by vibrant neon lights. The inspiration for such scenes comes from his nighttime strolls through Tokyo, where he photographed the streets in pouring rain to capture the perfect mood and perspective. He translates these impressions into his dynamic, colourful, modern-impressionist style, making his art unique and vibrant.

Kitchener is not just about depicting a realistic street scene; he wants to capture the emotions and moods he experiences in those moments. His works convey more than just the obvious—they allow the viewer to feel what it is like to stand in the middle of a bustling city, filled with energy and life. The mural at Teufelsberg captures this atmosphere perfectly: when you look at it, you can almost feel like you are in Tokyo, forgetting for a moment that you are actually in Berlin.

Speed and Precision

What makes Dan Kitchener so unique is his unconventional technique. Dan works entirely freehand with spray cans, without the aid of grids, stencils, guidelines, or projectors. To him, wall painting is a process that should belong solely to the artist. That is why he takes all his reference photos himself and creates every component of his works without any assistance. This method gives his works a dynamic and lively quality.

Dan Kitchener distinguishes himself from many other street artists through his speed and energy. He is known for his “Speed Paintings,” where he paints large walls in an amazingly short time. This speed is no accident but the result of a thoughtful approach: he keeps himself physically fit, runs several kilometres every day, and uses the energy from this activity to prepare for painting. This intensive work style is both a physical and mental challenge, one that he loves.

Music plays a crucial role in this process. While painting, Dan often listens to fast techno or trance music. These rhythms help him get into a creative flow, almost like a daydream. He lets the sounds guide him, immersing himself in the universe he is creating. Every song he listens to while painting becomes part of the artwork, a memory of the place and moment it was created.

With his diverse and unique approach, Dan Kitchener has gained a steadily growing fanbase. His murals, exhibitions, and live painting events captivate people worldwide. So, the next time you find yourself at Teufelsberg, take a moment to appreciate his work. Let yourself be swept away by the colours, energy, and atmosphere—you might just discover the beauty in the most everyday urban scenes.

As you stroll through Neukölln, you might notice powerful murals that instantly captivate you. These are likely the work of Alaniz, an Argentinian street artist who once lived here and formed deep connections with the people and places that continue to influence his art. But who is this artist, whose work brings the walls of Berlin and many other cities around the world to life?

From Abandoned Factories to Street Art

Alaniz began his journey in the street art scene in 2011 in Berlin. Without formal art education, he developed his own style in Berlin’s abandoned factories and lost places. These locations offered him the freedom to experiment without constraints. One of these places was Teufelsberg, where he painted the buildings as early as 2011, back when the site was not open to the public. Over the years, Teufelsberg became a creative playground for Alaniz, a place he repeatedly returned to, creating new works and continuing his artistic development. For him, this place is not only a site of artistic creation but also full of personal memories.

During this time, Alaniz discovered the works of Italian street artist Blu, whose monumental murals and innovative techniques deeply influenced him. Alaniz was particularly fascinated by Blu’s use of telescopic poles and paint rollers to create large-scale wall paintings. Alaniz adopted and further developed this technique to leave powerful messages on tall walls.

Another significant influence on Alaniz’s work was the political rock music from his homeland, Argentina. This music, marked by protest and resistance, inspired him to use art as a means of political expression. For Alaniz, his art is not just about aesthetics; it is about conveying important messages and highlighting social injustices. Through his murals, he actively opposes racism, segregation, discrimination, and social inequality.

From the beginning, Alaniz has been driven by a passion for bringing art to people who often have no access to galleries or museums. He sees the streets as his canvas and aims to create a direct connection with his audience through his art. For him, it is crucial that art does not just happen in exclusive galleries but directly on the streets, where it can be seen and experienced by everyone.

Global Connections

Since 2015, Alaniz has led a nomadic life—a lifestyle that can be seen as a statement against borders. He travels from city to city, from country to country, leaving traces of his art everywhere. Although he officially left Berlin in 2016, he continues to return to realize new projects. His works are shaped by the people and traditions he encounters on his travels. He seeks out the commonalities between cultures and expresses these in his murals. For Alaniz, art is a universal language that transcends barriers and brings people together.

Rage and Frustration: Alaniz’s Poetic Critique

One of his most famous murals in Berlin was created in June 2021 and is located on Teufelsberg. This work goes far beyond mere aesthetics and serves as a powerful critique of the injustices perpetrated by so-called First World nations, which use their power and resources to exploit and oppress other countries.

In a poem, Alaniz expresses his anger and frustration with the system: “Fuck your borders, your frontiers, your divisions, your police and your mom’s morality, your church, your government, your fears and insecurities, your ego and your unjustified pride. Fuck your discrimination, your segregation, your religion, your money and your luxurious lifestyle. Fuck your Facebook, your Instagram, your followers, your haters, your stalkers, and your friends. Nothing of that really matters if you invade nations, destroy countries and murder innocents in order to keep your system running. You are the worst scum of earth.”

These words reflect the deep disappointment Alaniz feels about the injustices and inequalities he sees in the world. For him, the borders powerful nations draw symbolize their policies of exclusion and exploitation. Although the technology exists to solve global inequalities, those in power lack the interest in improving people’s lives.

For Alaniz, art is not only an expression but also a tool of resistance and change. Despite the often bleak themes in his work, he remains an artist who believes in the possibility of a better world. “Everyone has their part to play in changing the world,” he says, convinced that even the smallest actions can make a difference.

If you want to learn more about Alaniz and his work, come and experience his art up close—they tell the story of an artist who seeks to change the world through his art.

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!

Are you ready to delve into the next captivating chapter of the #FreiheitBerlin series? You do not have to wait any longer! In this article, we are excited to introduce you to Juli Jahh, the brilliant mind behind the fascinating letter ‘F’. If you have not read the story behind the #FreiheitBerlin lettering or the articles about the previous letters, we recommend starting there.

Unleashing Imagination

Meet Juli Jahh, a captivating Lithuanian-Polish multidisciplinary artist whose work spans analogue drawing, illustration, murals and live painting. Her artworks exude a delicate balance of fragility and expression. Her use of colour and black ink creates an impressive tension that draws the viewer in. These expressive elements are combined with sharp, angular, or curvy lines, resulting in a range of pieces from informal caricatures to stunningly detailed and realistic portrayals. However, it is her exploration of surrealist ideas that most defines her work, inviting you into her delusional world to engage with and explore.

Juli’s drawing process is as simple as it is powerful: she faces a blank sheet of paper and lets her emotions and thoughts flow freely. This creative act serves as a cathartic ritual, providing relief in the warm embrace of solitude.

Experiment at Teufelsberg

Domcast is a sound installation and podcast series featuring ambient, experimental live performances that use the dome at Teufelsberg as a natural parabolic reverb. This project is a collaboration between Dots Gallery and 11001 Records. During one of these performances, Juli Jah painted live, inspired by the sounds of musicians like Jiawen Wang and Bruno Gola. She played with splashes of paint, organic shapes, and lines guided by the music. Within a few hours, she created an impressive mural. However, for Juli Jah, it was more about the creative experiment than the result.

Freedom as a Path to Transformation

When you observe the letter “F” in #FreiheitBerlin, you will quickly recognize Juli’s signature style—the fragile yet powerful colours, the bold lines, and the surreal atmosphere that invites you to step into another world. Her art beckons you to leave reality behind and delve into the depths of her imagination.

“The concept of the letter ‘F’ is based on life’s experiences. People often avoid and disown negative, traumatic events instead of confronting them. Rejection is not validation; only by sitting with ourselves can we find deeper meaning. There are no coincidences, only synchronizations; every situation and emotion are a source of knowledge if we look deeper.” Juli explains. “Freedom is transformation. Freedom might be painful but crucial to transform and thrive. Some things you can learn only in the dark, by choosing the consequence for the sake of just being yourself. The Berlin Bear, cracks, organic ornaments, and the colour red—all hold significant symbolism, complemented by the text on the other side of the letter. I invite viewers to interpret these symbols according to their own experiences, beliefs, and perspectives.”

In the end, you do not have to necessarily like an artist’s style or art; you just need to understand the reason behind it. Juli’s art represents her personal truth, and to truly understand it, you must genuinely desire to see it.

Do you want to see the letters in person? Book our Street Art Tour and let Juli’s unique interpretation of freedom inspire you. Stay tuned, because we will soon reveal the secrets behind the other letters. Do not miss out on the chance to uncover the incredible stories and artistry that make up #FreiheitBerlin.

After telling the story behind the letters in our last article, we now want to introduce you to the talented artists behind this impressive installation. Today, we take you on a journey into the fascinating world of Snyder, the artist who brought the letter ‘#’ to life. If you have not read our previous article about the installation yet, you can find it here.

Who is Snyder?

Snyder is a true Berliner whose works can be seen all over the city. If you walk through Berlin, you have probably already encountered his artwork at Alexanderplatz, Heidestraße, or many other spots in Berlin – perhaps without even realising it. His style is unmistakable to those familiar with it. What makes Snyder even more intriguing and mysterious is that no one knows what he looks like. He never shows his face. You might have even passed him already on the street, in the subway, or at the supermarket – or are you Snyder?

A Play with Colours

Snyder’s distinctive style makes his art unique. He uses spray paint to layer animals on various media such as paper, canvas, or walls. His artworks are characterized by depth and authenticity, achieved through deliberate colour errors and chromatic aberrations – effects typically found only in analog and digital imaging. This technique challenges our visual perception and makes us question how a real zebra or tiger truly looks like. Now that you understand his style better, you will likely spot his works more often around Berlin. Or keep an eye out during your next visit to Teufelsberg, where several of Snyder’s works can be found.

The Berlin Zebra

Snyder’s piece on the letter ‘#’ is titled “Zebroc”, symbolizing freedom and independence much like the iconic Berlin Bear. By using chromatic aberrations and colour distortions, Snyder creates a vivid and dynamic portrayal that represents the diversity and vibrancy of freedom. His artworks are not only visually stunning but also carry a deeper message about the importance of diversity and peaceful coexistence among all forms of life.

Snyder himself says about his art: „The Berlin Zebra, like its counterpart the Berlin Bear, is wild and free and cannot be tamed. It shows us that freedom breeds diversity and that lived freedom is colourful rather than black and white. We must all accept, protect, support, and particularly cherish freedom. Freedom for all also requires thoughtfulness, tolerance, and consideration from everyone who wants to be free. Therefore, all living beings that embrace our freedom deserve an untouchable place in their freedom. That is why the zebra from Africa belongs to Berlin just as much as the Berlin Bear.“

Breathtaking Murals

Snyder has not only designed the letter ‘#’ but has also left many other spectacular artworks at Teufelsberg. One of his most famous pieces here is a majestic polar bear, painted in his characteristic technique. However, his artworks are even more impressive in real life. The vibrant colours and depth of his work are hard to capture in photos.

Are you fascinated by Snyder’s story and eager to see the letters up close? Then secure your ticket for our Street Art Tour, which includes a visit to the roof of the American unit where the letters are located. Don’t forget to admire Snyder’s other works while you are there!

Curious about how Snyder creates his fascinating artworks? We have prepared an Instagram Reel just for you. Get an inside look at his work and the creation process.

Want to learn more about the stories behind the other letters? Stay tuned – in the coming weeks we will introduce the other artists in our blog.