Love Letters to the City

Love Letters to the City, curated by Michelle Houston, is a tribute to urban spaces and encourages reflection on the role of art in shaping our collective urban experiences.

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The exhibition examines the transformative potential of public art and explores the methods and motivations behind such works, as well as their social impact.

"Urban spaces are more than just physical environments; they are living, breathing canvases that tell the stories of those who inhabit them," says curator, Michelle Houston. "This exhibition is an invitation to see the city through a new lens, to appreciate the art that surrounds us, and to understand the profound impact it has on our daily lives."

Cities, with their dynamic and ever-changing nature, have long served as a rich source of inspiration for artists. Through mediums such as graffiti, urban and contemporary art, installations, and interactive sculptures, these artists have transformed cityscapes, intertwining social and political narratives with both physical and conceptual elements. Beyond aesthetics, urban landscapes challenge artists to confront pressing urban issues and imagine a future that is more sustainable, inclusive, and equitable. This exhibition delves into critical themes such as urbanization, gentrification, environmental degradation, and social inequality, fostering a dialogue that encourages positive societal growth and development.

 By transcending the traditional boundaries of the museum, "Love Letters to the City" challenges visitors to re-evaluate and engage with public spaces in new and meaningful ways. Through various murals and participatory actions in the city, the exhibition shows that urban art is more than just paint on walls. It can rekindle a connection between individuals and their urban surroundings and encourage visitors to discover the rich narratives that exist within the fabric of the city for those who are willing to see them.

Highlights of the exhibition include large-scale installations: a suspended parcel delivery truck from MOSES & TAPS, and a hybrid reconstruction of two iconic graffiti writers’ benches by ROCCO AND HIS BROTHERS. With the 35-year anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall, key artifacts on loan from the Stiftung Berliner Mauer showcase different historical perspectives of wall painting within the city. Korean artist JAZOO YANG collaborates with the local initiative OMA BUNKER to create a mural that gives a voice to social groups of elderly people. The museum’s facade will be completely transformed by the renowned female graffiti pioneer and icon of Hip Hop culture, LADY PINK, which will fuse elements from NYC and Berlin cityscapes to unfold and depict the universal city.

 

Participating artists:

2501, Banksy, Blek le Rat, Bordalo II, Carlos Mare aka Mare139, Chop 'em Down Films, Crash, Dan Witz, Daze, Drew. Lab_One, Elfo, Evol, HA Schult, HOGRE, Isaac Zavale, James Reka, Jaune, Jazoo Yang, Joel Daniel Phillips, Johannnes Mundinger, Jordan Seiler, Kenny Scharf, Lady Pink, Liviu Bulea, Martha Cooper, Matthew Grabelsky, MILLO, Moses & Taps, Nika Kramer, Octavi Serra, Owen Dippie, OX, PAINTING DHAKA Project, Mr. Paradox Paradise, Rocco and his brothers, Sebas Velasco, Shepard Fairey, Stephanie Buer, Stiftung Berliner Mauer, Stipan Tadić, Susanna Jerger, Tats Cru, THE WA, Vhils, und Zhang Dali.

Runtime: from September 2024

Takes place here:

• Urban Nation Museum for Urban Contemporary Art