XOOOOX

XOOOOX’s stenciled works of life-size, stunning fashionistas bedazzle the grungiest and greyest of walls of Germany’s ultra-hip capital city. The modelesque figures, inspired by clothing advertisements and designer brands, exemplify contemporary standards of beauty yet are extremely approachable. Much more than mere objects of desire or evocations of commercial schemes, the women XOOOOX depicts exude human characteristics: one figure, caught off-guard, squats to urinate, while another faces away from the viewer, carrying a handbag and shifting her weight slightly to one side, as if waiting for the bus. Though debates surround the potentially critical nature of XOOOOX’s work, street art in Berlin carries with it the history of censorship, espionage, and isolation rampant in former East Germany.

Though the artist’s works can be seen throughout the city, the artist’s identity remains a secret to prevent against charges of public vandalism.