Mone Uzi Crew – Between Rawness and Beauty

In September 2024, the talented graffiti artist Mone Uzi Crew created an impressive mural at Teufelsberg, capturing attention not only for its scale but for its powerful message. Located right next to the large tower building, the mural spans multiple floors, delivering a bold statement against superficiality—especially striking in the rugged surroundings of Teufelsberg.

Who is Mone Uzi Crew?

Behind the artist name “Mone Uzi Crew” is Christian Petersen from Hamburg. Born in 1975 in Lübeck, Petersen works as a Creative Director at a digital agency, though his true passion lies in graffiti art. Active as a freelance artist since the 1990s, he has specialized in large-scale wall productions over the past decade. Through his unique style and vibrant characters, he brings joy and imagination to urban walls, adding a splash of colour to the world around us.

Mone Uzi Crew’s signature style includes oversized eyes and teeth that bring his characters to life. At first glance, they might seem a bit unusual, but a closer look reveals a quirky charm and even humour. “When you add eyes and teeth to a simple stick, you playfully bring it to life,” Mone Uzi Crew explains. This approach creates characters that are both captivating and a little whimsical.

Believe in Your Inner Beauty

The mural at Teufelsberg is titled “Believe in Your Inner Beauty” and tackles the theme of superficiality. In a captivating scene, a seemingly unattractive character encourages a smaller, cute figure with the words, “Believe in your inner beauty”—an unexpected and therefore touching message from this character. The contrast between the two conveys a humorous yet profound message: beauty is not just skin deep, and outward positivity does not necessarily reflect inner strength. The characters embody the idea that true confidence comes from within.

One fascinating detail of the mural is the fruit slices inside the head of the larger character, symbolizing a look inward to reveal a “sweet” side that is not immediately visible. Those who look closely will also notice a small “M1” hidden in the large character’s fur—a subtle nod to Mone Uzi Crew’s artist name, “M one.”

Mone Uzi Crew’s style merges deconstruction with vibrant colours and clear, geometric shapes that blend in playful ways. His characters never seem threatening but radiate a positive energy that invites viewers to explore the details and find their own interpretation. His characters have a unique, charming expression that reminds us that art can simply be fun—and might even make us smile.

With this mural, Mone Uzi Crew has given Teufelsberg not only a visually striking work but also one that prompts reflection. The artworks on Teufelsberg are always worth a visit, and Mone Uzi Crew’s piece is one that stands out in particular. Be inspired and see what Teufelsberg has in store for you!

About Zsofia Gere

Zsofia is from Hungary and loves experimenting in the kitchen, though she often misses the classic Hungarian flavours. She enjoys exploring Berlin and staying active. In the summer, she likes to sip a Campari Spritz by the sea, and in the winter, she enjoys snowboarding on the slopes. On lazy days, her favourite activity is binge-watching "The Office" over and over again.