MCL presents #6 - Berlin Graffiti Crews

On November 21, 2025, from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m., the Martha Cooper Library invites you to two book presentations that reflect on the creative legacy of this transformative era.


Johann-Christof Laubisch, actor and rapper, will read from his novel “BIF CREW | BERLINER IN FREIHEIT.” The novel offers a personal glimpse into the world of the Berlin graffiti crew “BIF” and its significance for the youth culture of the 2000s.


Exhibition curators Sebastian Grap and Sebastian Bartels will present their catalog “Blackbook HSH. Youth and Subculture from the Housing Estates.” Their project documents graffiti art in East Berlin’s outer districts and explores the close connection between urban art and social identity. In conversation with Stephanie Wächter aka Lady Sound, an active member of the hip-hop and graffiti scene, they will discuss the role of crews as creative and social networks.


The event will be accompanied by DJ Dister, who will bring the spirit of the era to life with his beats.


Sebastian Bartels is a media technologist and co-organizer of the “Blackbook HSH” exhibition. He runs a screen-printing workshop and volunteers with young people in the graffiti scene.


Sebastian Grap is a graffiti activist and cultural manager. As a co-organizer of the “Blackbook HSH” project, he focuses on youth and subculture in Berlin’s suburban districts.


Johann-Christof Laubisch is an actor, rapper, and author. Raised in East Berlin, he was active in the graffiti and hip-hop scene of the 1990s and now leads youth workshops.


Stephanie Wächter (Lady Sound) discovered hip-hop culture in the 1990s and now offers graffiti and street art workshops, with a special focus on girls and young women.