Letter E – CokyOne’s Artistic Vision in Berlin

In the vibrant streets of Berlin, where graffiti and street art adorn the city’s walls, one name stands out: CokyOne. Born in Aachen in 1985, this artist has made a name for himself in recent years, enriching the urban art scene with his unique murals and personalized designs. Find out inn this blog post, how CokyOne transforms his passion for street art into stunning works of art and the messages he conveys through them.

CokyOne’s Journey into Street Art

CokyOne is an urban artist who has been living in Berlin since 2020. His journey into the world of street art began at the tender age of 12, inspired by his brother Michael. What started as a youthful adventure on legal and illegal walls became a serious passion after an incident in 2003, when he broke his leg while running from the police.

Despite being rejected by the University of the Arts in Düsseldorf, CokyOne did not let this setback discourage him. Instead, he delved deeper into the world of street art, honing his skills in both graffiti and professional painting. His work blends abstract graffiti elements with photorealistic painting techniques, focusing on large-scale murals and indoor paintings.

 

CokyOne is particularly known for his captivating depictions of animals and characters that remind him of his childhood. These childhood heroes and animals inspire him because they represent “innocent beings in a crazy and colourful world influenced by human culture.” His artwork often reflects social and critical societal themes, with a particular focus on humans as environmental destroyers.

Tailored Creativity

In addition to his work as a graffiti artist, CokyOne has also established a successful practice in custom clothing design. He is especially renowned for designing personalized sneakers that showcase his creativity and versatility. With extensive experience, he can quickly bring almost any type of design or image to life.

CokyOne also offers custom art for various spaces. He creates murals that align with specific themes for restaurants, bars, or cafes, using spray cans, airbrush techniques, or brushes.

Freedom in Colour

One striking example of CokyOne’s art can be found on Teufelsberg, where he designed the letter “E.” Here, he visually interpreted the theme of freedom by depicting two different birds as symbols of freedom: an eagle and a swallow. “Flying has always symbolized freedom, and since I usually depict animals in my pictures, it fit perfectly,” he explains. The eagle, shown on one side of the letter, represents strength, courage, and freedom, often used as a heraldic animal. On the other side, CokyOne depicts a swallow, which embodies hope, luck, and freedom as well. With strong contrasts and vibrant colours, his art brings colour to the grey world. “Colour also has a touch of freedom for me,” he explains.

 

“The concept of freedom has many facets. For me, it is primarily artistic freedom that takes center stage in such projects. Since I also do a lot of work where there are specific guidelines for the motif, it is all the more important for me to be able to work completely freely in some pictures. That is freedom for me—no guidelines or requirements, just painting whatever comes to mind. It has become a very important balance to my work, and I keep realizing how much I need it.”

CokyOne’s art on Teufelsberg is an impressive example of his ability to convey deeper themes through street art. It is a call to celebrate freedom and see the world through the eyes of art. Visit Teufelsberg and experience CokyOne’s work firsthand and feel the magic of his art.