MCL presents #7: Behind the Wall – Graffiti Art for the “Grüne Aue”

In March 2024, several allotment gardeners from the “Grüne Aue” community asked graffiti artist Akte One to transform a 450-meter-long gray soundproof wall in Berlin-Schöneweide. The resulting art project demonstrates how graffiti created by neighborhoods for neighborhoods can shape the city. The civic engagement of the gardening community shows how legal walls for graffiti can be established and how versatile artists are within their creative approaches. The mutual trust to share stories and experiences, and to perceive graffiti and street art as legitimate art forms, allows previously overlooked spaces to be activated and offers new perspectives on urban environments.

The Martha Cooper Library invites the public to a discussion and book presentation about the project with the participating artists.


Guests: Akte One, Michel “Cren” Pietsch, Matthias “Likör” Grüning, with musical accompaniment by NOMAD

Akte One (born Mark Marquardt, 1978 in Berlin) has been a defining figure in Berlin’s graffiti and urban art scene since the early 1990s. As a member of the legendary TLB crew, he significantly influenced the development of the city’s writing culture. His works translate classic graffiti aesthetics and lettering from public spaces into contemporary studio and exhibition contexts. In addition to his visual art, Akte One is also active in hip-hop music.

Michel “Cren” Pietsch is a German-French urban artist based in Berlin who works internationally. Since beginning his graffiti practice in 1989, lettering has formed the foundation of his artistic work. He deconstructs letters and rearranges them according to his own principles, creating dense compositions that encourage viewers to reconsider first impressions and perceive letters as independent forms.

Matthias Grüning, born in 1985 in East Berlin, first encountered graffiti in secondary school, particularly scratching and tagging, and has remained connected to the scene ever since. He initiated the project to artistically enhance the soundproof wall at the “Grüne Aue” allotment community in Schöneweide.

NOMAD is a DJ and street artist. He became known in Berlin in the 2000s through his character figure “Mr. Friendly” and participated in the BACKJUMPS group exhibitions in 2003 and 2005 alongside Banksy, Obey, SWOON, FAILE, and others. Originally a skater, he is now recognized internationally for his character writing and has lived and worked in Berlin since the late 1990s.

Participating artists in the project: Agend, Azor, Bener One, Bustart, Caparso, Cren, David Giersch, Demut, Emti, Gino Fuchs, Kerock One, Keta, Mate Artist, Monsta 179, More, Norm Abartig, Pecor, Rico79, Sbore, Spion, StereoHeat, Stohead, Strom.



The wall opening will take place on March 14, 2026, at 3:00 PM with an exclusive guided tour by Akte One.

The URBAN NATION Museum also offers free guided tours with prior registration at tour@urban-nation.com on the following dates:

• March 28, 2026, at 3:00 PM and 4:00 PM
  
• April 4, 2026, at 3:00 PM and 4:00 PM
  

Meeting point: Nalepastraße/Grenzweg, Oberschöneweide, 12459 Berlin.

Public transport: Ringbahn to S Baumschulenweg, then Bus 365 to Minna-Todenhagen-Brücke stop.


IN GERMAN