Berlin-based artist Evol draws on his background in graffiti and uses his artistic skills to explore the inner workings of the city. In doing so, he makes us look at our surroundings in a new light. His work shown here, Mehrweg (Dresden Print#1, A.P.) (2010) is created on found cardboard boxes and pays homage to the architecture of earlier times, especially the Berlin townhouses built around 1910, typical of the neighborhood Evol has lived in for years. Here, these remnants of a bygone era have so far survived the ongoing gentrification process in the area. The patina of the cardboard, its existing marks and its structures echo the way time works on actual urban landscapes.

Based on numerous photos taken in the urban landscape, he creates meticulous stencils to transform junction boxes, rectangular concrete elements, and cardboard objects into miniature buildings. Countless windows, balconies, and satellite dishes form an illusion of threedimensional facades and habitats. In both his studio pieces and temporary street installations, Evol distills the surrounding environment into manageable formats. This change in scale renders his work less intimidating; while it evokes stark urban settings, it also remains charming and approachable.

On loan courtesy of the Gewobag collection.