Imagine a world where art breathes. Here, at the Figur mit Tauben Mural, art not only breathes but also whispers stories of Vienna’s Jugendstil era. This mural is not just paint on a wall. It is a testament to Vienna’s vibrant artistic soul.
The Figur mit Tauben is a proud piece of the Wienerwand project. This initiative allowed artists from the graffiti scene to create in public spaces without fear of prosecution. The first legal spaces appeared in Vienna in the 1990s. After many illegal sprayers were arrested, the Vienna Graffiti Union formed. It demanded legal spaces for street art.
Since 2005, the Magistratsabteilung 13 has provided 22 walls citywide. These walls can be freely sprayed. A special feature marks them: a relief plate with a stylized dove and the lettering “WIENERWAND”. Unlike other cities, the City of Vienna itself sponsors these surfaces. Artists must bring their own materials and are not paid. The city does not guarantee the works will be preserved. They can be painted over, especially if the paint peels or the image gets damaged.
Michael Häupl, former mayor of Vienna, spoke positively about the project. He said, “Graffiti is art, but also criticism and rebellion. Like any art, it sometimes deals with the social situation in an uncomfortable way.” Local politicians in Germany called the project a model. They announced similar projects or implemented them. Jakob Kattner, co-founder of the Calle Libre Street Art Festival, praised Vienna’s approach to street art. He said, “Vienna certainly plays a pioneering role: in Europe, it is one of the largest open-air galleries or ‘hall of fames,’ as they are called in the scene.”
The magazine zett.de of the Zeit-Verlag declared Vienna a “sought-after street art hotspot”. This was partly because of the many legal spraying areas. The British Evening Standard described the walls on the Donaukanal as “bright, gritty soul of Vienna”. Curator Christine Koblitz called the area “one of the largest outdoor galleries in Europe, certainly a trademark for Vienna”.
The Wien Museum am Karlsplatz temporarily turned an area in front of the square into a Wienerwand as part of the Takeover – Streetart & Skateboarding art project. This mural stands as a vibrant example of how Vienna embraces and integrates street art into its cultural landscape.
Look closely at the Figur mit Tauben. Notice the stylized dove and the careful brushstrokes. It serves as a reminder of Vienna’s commitment to providing spaces for artistic expression. It demonstrates how the city values the transformative power of art.
As you stand here, take a moment to appreciate this open-air gallery. Let the “bright, gritty soul of Vienna” inspire you. This city embraces art in all its forms. It is clear that Vienna understands the importance of creativity. It also understands the role of art in reflecting and shaping society. The Figur mit Tauben is more than just a mural. It embodies Vienna’s innovative spirit. It shows the city’s dedication to fostering a dynamic cultural environment.