Reworking the title: "Renaming the Garbage Canal to Exotenwald in Weinheim" or "Exotenwald takes over as the new name for the Garbage Canal in Weinheim"
In the heart of Baden-Württemberg, the city of Weinheim has undergone a remarkable transformation. A once unappealing and potentially dangerous underpass near the train station has been transformed into a vibrant and exotic space, thanks to an innovative graffiti art project.
Nicknamed the "Exotic Forest", this revitalised underpass is a testament to the power of urban art. The city has proudly declared this project as "Urban Art at its Highest Quality".
Eight graffiti artists, including big names from the scene, collaborated on this project, with Bernd Eisold, known as "Berk" in the graffiti world, taking the lead. Eisold, a local artist, has previously worked on public spaces, schools, and kindergartens in the region.
The city contributed around 5000 euros towards the material costs for the project. Prior to the artists' work, the walls of the underpass were professionally cleaned, primed, and prepared according to their specifications.
The graffiti art project in Weinheim aims to improve the aesthetic appeal of underpasses for pedestrians and cyclists, and to change the perception of these areas as potentially dangerous. The city and the railway aimed not only to improve the visual aspect but also to enhance the subjective safety of the underpass.
The artists who immortalised themselves in the underpass all come from Baden-Württemberg, with the city emphasising this as a regional reference for the Heimattage Baden-Württemberg event. This project is a unique example of urban renewal through art, and a notable initiative to enhance the city's public spaces.
A portion of the passage under monument protection remains in its original state, while the rest has become the "Exotic Forest". This project serves as a shining example of how art can breathe new life into unexpected places, transforming them into vibrant, colourful spaces that inspire and uplift.
