What makes Berlin addictive?

The finissage for X2 Creative's exhibition this Sunday - By Henni, Sep 16, 06

This Sunday (Sep 17th) "What makes Berlin addictive?" will have its finissage complete with live visuals at 2pm. Graffiti. Some call it art, others might just label it vandalism, but whether you like it or not, you can not avoid it wandering through the streets of Berlin. Graffiti is just everywhere, there is hardly a wall standing without colorful stencils, scribbles or scrawls on it, not to mention highway bridges. And now, this trend looks to be moving its way to China, starting off in Shanghai, which has, according to the artists themselves, the same atmosphere of impending changes. And so a group of German artists decided to throw their threw ideas, graffiti cans and stencils into suitcases and present their Berlin, the metropolis of street art, to the Shanghainese.

The exhibition "What makes Berlin addictive?" at the new X2 Creative displays big posters on the walls of an unused warehouse, each showing another side of Germany's capital underlined by sounds and videos of daily street life. Next to each poster you will find a short profile of each artist introducing themselves and answering questions about the secrets of the city. In the middle of the room a large table is covered with pictures of small pieces of Berlin's street art, with the best part bring the poster reproductions of them you can take home - just leave a small donation behind, bearing in mind that the artists even paid for all their expenses, including flights. Or, become part of the movement and try it out yourself - by utilizing the free wall space, spray cans and stencils provided. If you're lucky your artwork may even become a part of the “What makes Shanghai addictive?” exhibition in Berlin next year. Get arty!