MCL presents #6: Berlin Graffiti Crews – Insights into the Scene from 1990 to 2006

Following the fall of the Berlin Wall, new urban spaces and infrastructure, abandoned buildings and a vibrant youth culture led to an explosive spread of graffiti in public spaces. The Berlin graffiti crews that emerged during this period not only offered creative freedom and a means of expression, but also fostered a sense of belonging and social support.

On 21 November 2025, from 6.30 pm to 8.00 pm, the Martha Cooper Library invites you to two book presentations reflecting on the creative legacy of this turbulent era.

Johann-Christof Laubisch, actor and rapper, will read from his novel “BIF CREW | BERLINER IN FREIHEIT”. The novel offers a personal insight into the world of the Berlin graffiti crew “BIF” and their significance for youth culture in the 1990s.

Curators Sebastian Grap and Sebastian Bartels present their catalogue *Blackbook HSH: Youth and Subculture from the Estate*. Their project documents graffiti art in the outlying districts of East Berlin and highlights the close connection between urban art and social identity. In conversation with Stephanie Wächter, aka Lady Sound, who is active in the hip-hop and graffiti scene, the role of crews as creative and social networks will be discussed.
The event will feature music by DJ Dister, whose beats will bring the atmosphere of the era to life.

When: 21 November 2025, 6.30–8.00 pm, followed by a book sale and signing session
Where: Martha Cooper Library at the URBAN NATION Museum, Bülowstr. 7, 10783 Berlin

Sebastian Bartelt is a media technologist and co-organiser of the “Blackbook HSH” exhibition. He runs a screen-printing workshop and volunteers with young people in the graffiti scene.

Sebastian Grap is a graffiti activist and cultural manager. As a co-organiser of the “Blackbook HSH” project, he explores youth and subcultures in Berlin’s outlying districts.

Johann-Christof Laubisch is an actor, rapper and author. Having grown up in East Berlin, he was active in the graffiti and hip-hop scene of the 1990s and now runs workshops for young people.

Stephanie Wächter (Lady Sound) discovered hip-hop culture in the 1990s and now runs workshops on graffiti and street art, with a particular focus on girls and young women.