Make Art, Not War: The Powerful Mural in Berlin

Striking Murals in Berlin

The mural 'Make Art Not War' by artist Shepard Fairey, located at Mehringplatz in Berlin-Kreuzberg, stands out as one of the city's most notable street art pieces. With a clear message of peace and a bold visual style characteristic of the artist, it draws the eye and invites contemplation.

Created in September 2014, this mural was among the first in the 'One Wall' project—a unique initiative by Urban Nation that invites international artists to create large-scale murals in urban areas across Berlin. Following the motto 'One Wall – one wall, one message,' these artworks are strategically placed in prominent spots throughout districts like Kreuzberg, Schöneberg, and Spandau.

Connecting with the Local Community

Artists engage with the surrounding neighborhood (Kiez) to craft site-specific statements that encourage reflection and dialogue between art, the city, and its residents. This nonprofit project, executed by Stiftung Berliner Leben, serves as a catalyst for Urban Contemporary Art, complementing the Urban Nation Museum as a form of open-air gallery.

This mural graces the facade of a building at Mehringplatz 28, near the Hallesches Tor subway station, at the start of Friedrichstraße, one of Berlin's iconic streets. With its striking red and black colors, the image features a distinct symmetrical structure.

The Structure and Message of the Mural

On the left and right sides, red walls with vertical paintbrush strokes frame the central area, evoking the concept of art as a means of expression. In the central black area, the words 'Make Art Not War' stretch across a white decorative field, flanked by arrows pointing left and right.

This clever play on the phrase 'Make Love Not War'—a slogan that became a symbol of peace during the late 1960s counterculture—adds depth to the mural's message. At the center lies a circular red area featuring a stylized rose, surrounded by rays of white that resemble the rising sun. The rose is encircled by handcuffs etched with the phrase 'Rise Above,' a call to transcend violence, hatred, and abandonment.

Artistic and Social Value

The phrases 'Eyes Open' and 'Mind Open' on either side invite viewers to approach the world with an open gaze and heart. Content-wise, 'Make Art Not War' articulates a stance against war and oppression, while committing to art as a vehicle for peaceful political expression.

Shepard Fairey, who gained global fame through the 'Obey Giant' campaign and the iconic 'Hope' poster for Obama, employs a powerful visual style, propaganda aesthetics, and clear slogans to convey messages that are both accessible and carry lasting significance. Thus, the mural not only captivates in the diverse urban landscape around Mehringplatz but also symbolizes a Berlin that acknowledges its history of conflict while championing openness, diversity, and peace.

Controversy Surrounding the Artist

Shepard Fairey is no stranger to controversy; he has been among the first to promote his own art, leading to accusations of 'selling out' and excessive commercialization. Additionally, he has faced repeated allegations of plagiarism. Nevertheless, the mural 'Make Art Not War' delivers an important message to a struggling social area in Berlin, creating a vibrant splash of optimism in an otherwise bleak neighborhood.

In contrast to the mural 'Hoodie Birds' by Dutch street artist Don John across the way— which has been defaced with spray paint—Fairey's work, although somewhat faded, remains intact and impactful.