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On the Night of 23.03. to 24.03.1985, Seven Teenagers Changed the Art World in Europe.
What was to go down in history as the first Whole Train outside of America was dubbed by the Abendzeitung and Bild Zeitung in 1985 as Munich’s largest and longest painting—and, unsurprisingly, it did not receive universal acclaim.
Admittedly, it took more than a few years for art critics to accept that self-taught artists wielding spray cans instead of oil brushes were just as capable of creating art.
But 40 years ago, in Munich—or more precisely, in Geltendorf—a trend was born that has since spread across all of Europe:
Creating art and showcasing it to the public—without asking for permission.
The quality of such art is open for debate, but that’s not the point.
The point is that art is not exclusively for the elite, who gather at private events, sipping champagne while debating which up-and-coming young painter should be welcomed into their esteemed circle—and who is deemed “no longer relevant.”
A broad and open discussion emerged: What is art?
Does artistic freedom grant the right to claim space, or must one ask for permission? And shouldn’t public space belong to the public anyway?
On the night of March 23rd to 24th, 1985, seven teenagers in Munich claimed their freedom and showcased their art to the public—without asking—just like their idols from New York.
On a public transit train.
Just as they had seen in the 1983 film STYLE WARS by Charlie Ahearn and Fab 5 Freddy featuring Lee Quinones and Lady Pink, and as documented in the book SUBWAY ART by Martha Cooper and Henry Chalfant.
23.03. – 24.03.1985
23.03. – 24.03.2025
40 Years of Train Writing in Munich
To properly celebrate this anniversary, we are taking a trip with Verein urbane Kunst and the original artists to the place where it all happened.
We look forward to seeing you there!
