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April 7, 2026 • 3 min read
Discover the 'Make Art Not War' mural in Berlin, an artwork that powerfully conveys a message of peace amidst the vibrant urban landscape.
An Impressive Mural in Berlin
The 'Make Art Not War' mural by artist Shepard Fairey is located at Mehringplatz in the Kreuzberg district of Berlin, and it stands out as one of the city's most notable pieces of street art. With its clear message of peace, the mural combines bold imagery and the signature graphics of the artist.
The Beginning of the 'One Wall' Project
Created in September 2014, this mural was one of the first works in the 'One Wall' project, which invites international artists to create large-scale legal murals on the walls of Berlin. Under the motto 'One Wall – one wall, one message,' these artworks appear in prominent locations across neighborhoods like Kreuzberg, Schöneberg, and Spandau.
Engagement with the Local Community
Artists often collaborate with the local community (Kiez) to create statements that resonate with the context, encouraging reflection and dialogue between art, the city, and its residents. This non-profit initiative by Stiftung Berliner Leben aims to promote contemporary urban art while complementing the Urban Nation Museum.
Bold Color Combinations
The mural stretches across the facade of the building at Mehringplatz 28, near the U-Bahn station Hallesches Tor, marking the start of Berlin's famous Friedrichstraße. Featuring striking red and black hues, the artwork has a symmetrical structure, with red panels on both sides emphasizing art as a medium of expression.
A Profound Message
At the center of the mural, the phrase 'Make Art Not War' runs across a decorative white area, flanked by arrows pointing left and right. This clever wordplay is based on the slogan 'Make Love Not War,' one of the key mantras of the hippie generation in the late 1960s.
✈️ Tìm chuyến bay giá tốt
Đặt vé ngay với giá ưu đãi từ các hãng hàng không
Iconic Imagery
The heart of the mural features a red circle containing a stylized rose, surrounded by white rays reminiscent of dawn's light. The flower's stem is encircled by a pair of handcuffs inscribed with the words 'Rise Above' — a call to transcend violence, hatred, and despair. This is complemented by the phrases 'Eyes Open' and 'Mind Open' on either side, encouraging viewers to approach the world with an open mind.
A Stance Against War
In content, 'Make Art Not War' presents a clear anti-war and anti-oppression stance while committing to art as a peaceful medium for political dialogue. Shepard Fairey, widely recognized for his 'Obey Giant' campaign and the 'Hope' poster for Obama, employs powerful graphics and easily understandable yet impactful slogans.
A Symbol of Modern Berlin
The mural is not just a highlight in the diverse urban landscape surrounding Mehringplatz; it also symbolizes a Berlin that acknowledges its tumultuous history while advocating for openness, diversity, and peace.
Controversy and Distinction
There’s no denying the controversy surrounding Shepard Fairey; he was one of the first artists to commercialize his work, leading to criticism of 'selling out' and excessive commercialization. Despite facing accusations of plagiarism, the 'Make Art Not War' mural delivers an important statement for a socially challenged area in Berlin, standing out as a bright splash of color in a somewhat dreary neighborhood.
Comparison with Other Artworks
In contrast to the 'Hoodie Birds' mural by Dutch street artist Don John across the way—which has been vandalized with paint bombs—Shepard Fairey’s work remains intact, even as it has faded over time.
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