Red dawn & Blue dusk – How art changes people's everyday lives
About the artist Peter Stöcker
Peter Stöcker is an artist and creative entrepreneur from Bremen. Under his pseudonym THECUT, he has been working for many years at the intersection of graphic design, painting, and urban space. His works are characterized by clean lines, geometric structures, and strong color contrasts. In addition to his work as an independent artist, he founded the urban art agency Lucky Walls, through which he initiates and implements projects in public spaces. Stöcker describes his own style as “Monumomentum.” His works explore the themes of progress, transformation, and energy. Visualizing these energies and creating a monument to them is a central aspect of his artistic expression.
The artistic concept
For his artwork “Morgenrot & Abendblau,” Peter Stöcker abstracted the dynamics of the daily commuter flows. Every morning, people rush to work; in the evening, they return home. A recurring rhythm that defines the train station and its surroundings. He captures the energy of the people and translates it into a graphic composition of lines, circles, and shapes. The real-time movement of people as they pass through the tunnels also becomes part of the artwork, just as they are its inspiration. Their movements through the tunnels are reflected in the composition, giving the work additional energy and momentum. Anyone who enters the underpasses not only experiences a work of art but also becomes an active part of it.
The Urban Environment and Architecture as a Canvas
The artwork’s unique appeal arises from the interaction between the artistic design, the existing architectural infrastructure, and the adjacent urban space. The redesigned tunnels become portals that connect residential areas and immerse passersby in another world as they walk or drive through them. The functional, dark tunnel transforms from a space for quick passage into a space for staying. It is no longer perceived as the tunnel that it functionally remains. It becomes a world of experience, with reality awaiting only at its bright end. Art changes perception and gives the space new meaning.
Particularly interesting is the staircase leading to the S-Bahn, which interrupts the linear direction of the tunnel and creates a crossing axis of movement. This is also reflected in the design. The lines and shapes in the tunnel change direction several times, following the opening of the staircase. At this point, the existing structure was incorporated in a sophisticated way. The violet-painted handrail becomes a visual line and, as an element of the composition, follows the artwork leading to the S-Bahn station. Coming from the S-Bahn, the designs of the tunnel and staircase merge once again, gently guiding passengers into the tunnel. Another exciting detail is the colorful, opaque window at the top of the staircase, whose colors and shapes were incorporated into the design of the restroom container, thus creating a visual connection that extends beyond the tunnel.
Transformation of space and perception
Before the artistic intervention, the tunnels were considered dark, cramped, and uninviting. Pedestrian tunnels and train stations generally have a bad reputation, so people rarely spend time there and sometimes feel unsafe. While the design of “Morgenrot & Abendblau” does not physically changed the space, it creates a positive and pleasant atmosphere that invites people to linger and fundamentally alters their perception of the place. What is particularly interesting is that, through the abstraction of commuters’ movements, people themselves become part of the transformation. Their movements form the basis of the design and, at the same time, merge with the composition, giving the work additional energy and dynamics.
While taking these photos, I often observed how people’s perception of the tunnels changed. Several times, people stopped and took a closer look at the colorful walls around them. Many responded very positively and were delighted that the tunnels now radiate such positive energy and enrich their way to work. These reactions show that the art has not only enhanced the space visually but also has a lasting impact on people’s daily lives.
Details about the project
The project was commissioned and initiated by the city of Eschborn to improve well-being in public spaces, particularly in the area of uninviting tunnels. The urban art agency Lucky Walls was commissioned to create the large-scale mural; its team applied the paint to the walls. The concept and design were created by Peter Stöcker (alias THECUT), who is also the agency’s owner. Overall, the project demonstrates the impact that urban art can have. It not only enriches the visual appearance of a place but also changes people’s perceptions, moods, and behaviors. For commuters who walk through the tunnels every day, this means a significant improvement in their daily lives. From the perspective of our profession, it was an exciting experience to view architecture and urbanity in a different context.
