Vibrant cityscapes: Street artist Dared illuminates the urban landscape of Berlin
In the vibrant streets of Berlin, and cities across the globe, the work of street artist Dared can be found, adorning walls with his unique cast of furry characters. From French bulldogs to foxes and bats, Dared's creations have become a familiar sight in the city, particularly in the district of Kreuzberg.
Born and raised in Marzahn, Dared's passion for street art began as a teenager, when he would often tag alone, attracting the attention of larger graffiti groups. After encountering street artists through Graffiti Lobby Berlin, Dared rekindled his passion and began to create a world of his own.
This world is known as the Red Forest, an imaginary land where Dared's characters, Faye the fox, Phatty, and Batsy, live. Faye, a female character, represents a connection between wild animals and people, while Phatty is depicted as cosy, sporty, and a bit like a Berliner. Batsy, a new addition to Dared's cast, is goofy and science-oriented.
In the Red Forest, Batsy represents vision and is often depicted in a setting where he is reading. Dared views Batsy as ensuring Faye's safety and maintaining the delicate balance of the Red Forest. The first character Dared created was inspired by his friend's dog Phatty.
Dared's cartoon style is influenced by Japanese anime, anthroposophical art, and his time spent living in India. His work can be found in various cities around the world, including Texas, Paris, London, and Mallorca.
Despite the global recognition, Dared sacrifices a lot to keep his street art alive and doesn't make a living from it. He conducts workshops for aspiring artists in stencil-making and character development, passing on his passion and knowledge to the next generation.
Currently, Dared is working on the facade of a new café in Kreuzberg, where he plans to introduce new characters such as a squirrel and an imaginative animal. His goal is to create a mirror to society and to surprise the audience with tales around his heroes. As Dared continues to bring his furry characters to life, the streets of Berlin and beyond will continue to be adorned with his unique art.
