Doesn’t it strike you as a little strange? Nature Morte. Here we stand before a massive mural. It dominates the corner of Oranienstraße and Manteuffelstraße. This thought-provoking piece of street art is in Berlin’s Kreuzberg district.
The artwork, titled “Nature Morte,” is by the artist Roa. It was created in 2011 during the “Transit” exhibition. Skalitzers Contemporary Art gallery organized the exhibition. The gallery has close ties to Australia. It focuses on street art and unconventional art forms.
Look closely at “Nature Morte.” A rabbit, a stork, and a roe deer hang lifeless. They dangle from ropes attached to the building’s roof. Below them, a dead bull rests atop a wild boar. The boar’s severed head lies nearby.
Roa’s signature style is evident. The mural is largely black and white. The only color is the blood at the boar’s neck. He used spray cans to create this striking image. Roa is known for depicting injured and bloody animal carcasses.
Roa was born in Ghent, Belgium, in 1975. From the age of 13, he was fascinated by graffiti. He adopted the classic New York style and developed his own unique approach. His passion for animals started in childhood. He often brought home skeletons and dead animals to sketch them. Today, he professionally paints building walls with his black and white animals. These animals are often dead or injured. He chooses regional species for each location.
Initially, Roa earned a living by conducting graffiti workshops for children. As he refined his style, he gained international recognition. Now, Roa creates large-scale murals worldwide. His work is displayed in many galleries. His audience extends far beyond the street art scene.
To find “Nature Morte,” head to Oranienstraße 2, at the corner of Manteuffelstraße. It’s a short walk from the Görlitzer Bahnhof U-Bahn station. From Skalitzer Straße, coming from the east, you can spot it from a distance on the right.
Roa’s “Nature Morte” makes a statement about life and death. It encourages viewers to contemplate the fragility of existence. The stark imagery stays with you long after you’ve left this spot. His art adds to Berlin’s vibrant street art scene. A scene that continues to gain recognition. Street art has become a powerful means of expression. It reflects the city’s dynamic spirit.