New graffiti on Sylt: Artwork criticizes sales and capitalism!

New graffiti on Sylt: Artwork criticizes sales and capitalism!

A new passage between the Wilhelminen fountain and the health food store in Westerland on Sylt shines in new splendor. This is the result of a graffiti artwork that is part of a project by the Sylt Marketing Society (SMG) as part of the family weeks. Although the original completion was scheduled for October 2024, delays due to bad weather and the absence of an art teacher due to illness caused the project to be postponed. The artists David Kory and Curtis Maron, who work for the “The Urbanists” association, have now completed the mural independently.

The work of art reflects the young people's ideas about their home island and integrates both classic island motifs and socially critical depictions. The striking elements include images of beaches, surfboards and seagulls, complemented by critical symbols such as an octopus that symbolizes wealth, a Bild newspaper that represents media criticism, a Porsche as a symbol of luxury and a punk that represents the subculture.

Socially critical approaches

What is particularly noteworthy is that the work of art not only contributes to the beautification of the passage, but also critically examines social issues such as repression, selling out and capitalism. Humorous details, such as the torn-up Bild newspaper, add an additional dimension to the work that makes the viewer think.

The financing of the project, which is in the mid-four-digit range, was secured by the SMG and the “Living Democracy” funding program. Tessa Heyde, SMG's sustainability officer, played a key role in the implementation, but will soon be leaving SMG. Your comment underlines the lasting impact of the work of art and the visual enhancement of the previously rather drab facade.

Suggestions for further design

The aim of the entire project was to sustainably upgrade the public space and transform the passageway into a lively place that invites you to linger. To make the stay even more attractive, it is proposed to install one or two benches or chairs that would additionally make the passage a small haven of rest.

Overall, this graffiti artwork shows how art and social engagement can go hand in hand to enrich the cityscape with lively and critical forms of expression. It is not only eye-catching, but also encourages you to engage with the topics presented. While weather and other hurdles delayed completion, Kory and Maron made a powerful statement encouraging people to reflect on the challenges and opportunities of their home island.

For a detailed look at the creation of the work of art and further background information, please refer to the articles by moin.de and sylter-spiegel.de be referred.