Letter I – Caro Pepe – Creativity that Moves and Inspires

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.