Gelsenkirchen is on the move: graffiti artist Dan Geffert is thrilled!

Gelsenkirchen is on the move: graffiti artist Dan Geffert is thrilled!

The WDR PopUp Studio has opened its doors in Gelsenkirchen and has already attracted over 1,800 visitors in the first week. What particularly excites people? The desire for positive reports and an atmosphere of optimism in a city that is otherwise often perceived negatively. At the center of this spirit of optimism is Dan Geffert, a 36-year-old graffiti artist who sees his craft not only as art, but also as a means of positive change. Geffert, who has lived in Gelsenkirchen since his childhood and was born in Bochum, has established himself in the independent art scene and shows how the city can be beautified with creative forms of expression.

Geffert's trademarks are large murals that tell stories. One of his most impressive works can be found on Wickingstrasse, where he captures the disused Bismarck colliery and children playing on the industrial wasteland in harmonious colors. A butterfly that can be seen in the picture symbolizes the desired transformation of Gelsenkirchen. The artist is pleased with the positive reactions from local residents, including an elderly woman who confessed that his paintings cheer her up in difficult times. Throughout his 14-year career as a freelance artist, Geffert has repeatedly emphasized how important community connection is to him.

Large projects and workshops

Geffert's greatest pride is a 500 square meter work of art in Bismarck that brings the animals of the Gelsenkirchen Zoo to life. He has professionalized his passion for graffiti and works on various commissioned projects, including in the salt cave in the bunker in Scholven and on a huge facade in the city center of Herford. He also designed the entrance area of ​​the Marta Art Museum in Herford in 2025.

Geffert's art is not only limited to walls, but also finds its place in exhibitions. You can admire his works until November 24th at the Museum Folkwang in Essen as part of the exhibition “The Besulierte Thing”. Geffert is also active internationally: he presents his work in the exhibition “Pashmin Art Circulation” at the Chongqing Cultural Center for Contemporary Art in China.

Art and community

It is important to Geffert that art also has a purpose. He regularly organizes workshops for students to teach them creative skills and keep them off the wrong track. He firmly believes that more friendliness is needed on the streets and wants to set good examples. With his way of living the graffiti culture, he hopes to change the city's bad reputation. Because in his exhibitions he often encounters prejudices that need to be overcome.

But not everything goes smoothly. In order to install his long-lasting works of art, Geffert requires the consent of property owners, who are often housing associations, municipal authorities or even private homeowners. The financing for material and fee costs must also come from other sources, which can limit the freedom of design. There is also no guarantee that his works will be preserved in the long term, as renovation work or weather conditions can certainly endanger them.

However, Geffert remains optimistic and shows day after day how art can build bridges and bring people together. With his tireless passion and commitment, he gives Gelsenkirchen a bit of new color and joie de vivre.