The Letter L – RON MILLER – The Visionaries Behind the Geisha
At Teufelsberg, artists from around the world bring history and art to life through their works. One standout piece is the letter “L” from the #FreiheitBerlin installation, created by the Berlin-based artist duo RON MILLER. With their unique blend of urban style, conceptual art, and symbolism, they tell stories of freedom, identity, and inner strength.
Captured Yet Free
The letter “L” immediately catches the eye with its vibrant colours and powerful symbolism. At its centre stands a yellow figure, bound by pink ropes – a clear metaphor for restriction. Yet, the deeper meaning lies in the details: the figure, whose stylized form evokes RON MILLER’s iconic Geisha, conveys a sense of boundless inner freedom. Despite external constraints, her spirit remains unbroken and free.
The duo describes their vision as follows: “Freedom means having the ability to think, act, and decide without pressure or limitations. Our protagonist is figuratively tacked onto the letters. Her body may be trapped, but her thoughts wander into boundless realms. In her mind, freedom blooms – unbound and infinite – while her body remains held in place. Her soul dances in the light of endless possibilities, free as the wind.”
The Geisha, a central motif in RON MILLER’s work, perfectly encapsulates this message. Inspired by a past love and a deep appreciation for Asian culture, the motif has evolved over the years. Today, the Geisha represents a dynamic, urban identity that adapts to different contexts. Her face, often left as a blank white space, invites viewers to project their own interpretations and experiences onto the figure.
Two Friends, One Vision
Behind RON MILLER are best friends Ronny Kindt and Marcus Klüh, whose longstanding friendship forms the foundation of their creative vision. Since 2016, they have combined their individual strengths to create a unique artistic style. Marcus Klüh grew up as a creative child who loved to build things with his hands. This craftsmanship is evident in many of their works. Ronny Kindt, with a background in graphic and interior design, has worked as a creative director for over a decade. His passion for design and Asian culture plays a significant role in their art.
Their work combines urban aesthetics, pop art, and conceptual depth. The recurring motif of the Geisha and their ability to address societal themes like commercialization, identity, and freedom make their art both striking and thought-provoking.
Bold, Yellow, and Critical: Artwork at the Tower
Another notable work by RON MILLER once adorned the entrance of the tower at Teufelsberg, though it no longer exists. Painted in vivid yellow, the piece prominently featured their provocative motto “FUCK FAME”, which stretched across the wall as a graphic element. Through this slogan, RON MILLER criticizes the superficial glorification of fame and popularity in a world where art and culture are increasingly commodified and digitalized. At the same time, the motto is ironic – a call to focus on authenticity and creative freedom.
At the centre of the work was a large Geisha with a red rectangle covering her eyes and wearing a mask reminiscent of a protective face covering. This detail subtly connected the artwork to contemporary societal themes. The scene was completed by numerous smaller Geishas dressed as Superman or, more fittingly, Superwoman, breathing life into the wall and reflecting the complexity of modern identity.
RON MILLER’s contribution to the #FreiheitBerlin installation, along with their other works, demonstrates how art can reflect and interpret societal themes. Their use of the Geisha as a central motif represents the fluid and ever-changing nature of urban identity. At the same time, their works are deeply ironic, layered, and provocative, encouraging viewers to engage with the questions and challenges of our time.