Fresh Graffiti Art Emerges on JFE Ammerweg Wall in Düsseldorf-Unterrath
Graffiti Refresh on the Ammerweg Wall
Whether it's an apartment or a house, we all like to give our spaces a facelift every now and then to keep them looking fresh. The same goes for the Ammerweg Youth Recreation Facility (JFE) in Unterrath. Every few years, they spruce up their outdoor area, particularly the wall separating the parking lot from the residential area.
This was the fifth time in ten years that JFE teamed up with the "Verbunt - Youth Art Düsseldorf" association to host a graffiti action. According to JFE director Benedikt Hoga, the artwork created is a shame to erase because it's so striking. However, graffiti art, by nature, is fleeting.
On a sunny Saturday (22.7.), 22 young artists gathered on the parking lot to transform the 78-meter-long, up to 2.80-meter-high wall. Neutral facade paint prepared the canvas for their creative endeavors. Materials were provided by Verbunt, while the participants brought their own ideas.
With a grant of over 1600 euros from the district council 6, spray cans were purchased, and refreshments, shade, and a pristine lawn were provided by JFE director Hoga for an inspiring atmosphere.
For those experiencing a creative block, there were alternatives - football matches, paper airplane contests, or contemplative brainstorming sessions. "We encourage freedom and don't set any constraints regarding what can be sprayed on the wall," said Jan Herrmann from Verbunt. "Though, it's obvious that nothing offensive, promoting violence, or objectifying others should find its way onto the wall."
The artists worked tirelessly for two days, adding vibrant sprays of color to the wall. "It will likely remain this way for another one or two years before Hoga and I deem it time for a change," Herrmann added.
In urban areas, graffiti often gets replaced regularly, as part of community initiatives or city council programs. These efforts vary based on factors like location, regulations, and community engagement with street art. Organizations like the JFE and Verbunt are typical participants in such projects, collaborating with artists to renew the urban landscape periodically.
The vibrant graffiti art created by the young artists on the Ammerweg wall is a testament to their lifestyle, enhancing the outdoor-living experience of nearby residents. Meanwhile, the home-and-garden of the Ammerweg Youth Recreation Facility continues to undergo periodic makeovers, with the graffiti wall serving as a shining example of their commitment to fostering a dynamic and engaging environment.
