1UP Crew: A Berlin Graffiti Collective

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While the membership to this enigmatic group is easy to gain in theory, becoming a legitimate part of the project in practice takes some daring will. Part graffiti artist and part athlete, the thing that unites many 1Uppers has less to do with aesthetics and more to do with placement. It won’t take long to realize the utter insanity of some involved in the scheme who are literally willing to bring the tag to new heights, mysteriously fitting it in all kinds of absurd places. Some have even had the audacity to paint the tag on a moving subway train, something that has gained them particular notoriety.

Once one begins to look, it becomes clear that the 1UP tag really is marked on buildings all throughout Berlin on walls, roofs, abandoned buildings and a succession of subway cars. What’s more is that this originally Berlin-based operation has expanded. Now, the tags can be seen in major cities across the globe, sprawling over countless surfaces.

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