REDL, One Truth and & More: Discovering Zurich's Street Art

Hello and welcome back! Today, once again, we will try and answer the Million Dollar question: Is Zurich, Switzerland like "Every European City"?

If we’re to take Itchy Feet's Map seriously, Zurich has just one designated spot to find street art.

Nope. You wouldn’t believe how many tram rides it took me to track down the coolest works of art across Zurich.

Whether oversized, colorful murals, stick figures sprayed at lightning speed or graffiti: street art is part of contemporary art. It changes the cityscape and is a popular subject for photos. This is why street art artists in Zurich are increasingly being commissioned to create so-called art on buildings. 

This was not always the case, as Harald Naegeli, dubbed the "Sprayer of Zürich", would certainly confirm. He paved the way for today's artists.

Beginning in the late 1970s, Naegeli clandestinely adorned the city's walls with his distinctive, minimalist line drawings, often depicting skeletal figures. His unauthorized artworks led to legal repercussions, including imprisonment, yet over time, his contributions have been recognized for their cultural significance. In 2020, the city honored him with the Art Prize of Zürich, acknowledging his influence on European graffiti and street art culture.

Today, Zurich's street art scene is vibrant and diverse, featuring the works of several notable artists, including Patrick "REDL" Wehrli, Alexander Constantin Hohl, and Fabian "Bane" Florin as well as "One Truth Bros".

Patrick "REDL" Wehrli, a Zurich-born artist with a background in art and media design, has been active in graffiti and urban art since the early 1980s. Over the years, he has developed a diverse portfolio, including detailed drawings, large-scale murals, and 3D anamorphic artworks, which play with perspective and optical illusions.

One of his notable pieces, "Free Water," appears distorted when viewed from most angles but reveals a clear, three-dimensional image from a specific vantage point. This technique challenges perception, making the artwork seem stretched or fragmented until the viewer finds the right perspective. Through such works, REDL pushes the boundaries of street art, transforming urban spaces into immersive visual experiences.

REDL collaborated with fellow Swiss artists Bane and Alexander Constantin Hohl on several large-scale murals for Spross Recycling, a company focused on sustainability and waste management. Among these works are "Recycled Robot" and "Sam the Guitarist", both of which incorporate bold colors, dynamic compositions, and a mix of realism and fantasy.

These murals not only showcase REDL and Bane’s technical skill but also creatively highlight the theme of repurposing and transformation, aligning with Spross Recycling’s mission. By turning industrial spaces into vibrant art galleries, the duo brings an artistic perspective to environmental consciousness, proving that even recycled materials can inspire fresh creativity.

The artist duo One Truth, consisting of brothers Dr. Drax (born 1983) and Pase (born 1981), have been shaping Zurich’s urban landscape with their distinctive graffiti art for years. Known for their bold use of color, dynamic compositions, and expressive characters, their work often conveys themes of love, family, and everyday life while adding a surreal or whimsical touch. 

Their murals turn city walls into vibrant storytelling canvases, making their art both visually striking and emotionally resonant.

Among their notable pieces:

"Love Your Live" – A powerful and uplifting mural that encourages people to embrace life fully. With energetic colors and dynamic lettering, the piece radiates positivity and embodies One Truth’s signature urban style.

"Love Is in the Air" – A romantic and dreamy composition, featuring floating hearts, playful figures, or an atmospheric background that enhances the mural’s emotional depth. It captures the fleeting, yet powerful nature of love.

"The Family Dog" – A heartwarming tribute to the bond between humans and their furry companions. With expressive details and a sense of movement, this mural celebrates loyalty, companionship, and the simple joys of having a pet.

"The Tree House" – A whimsical, almost storybook-like mural that transports viewers to a place of nostalgia and adventure. The piece likely features intricate details of a hidden retreat among the trees, embodying the idea of escape, childhood dreams, and freedom.

So far, I’ve shown you works by artists who’ve made a name for themselves and are commissioned for their creations. But of course, Zurich’s streets also feature the work of countless unknown artists, some anonymous, others perhaps just creative souls with time and a spray can. Beauty, after all, is in the eye of the beholder.

That’s it for today’s tram-hopping tour of Zurich’s street art scene. From celebrated muralists to nameless night-time sprayers, it’s clear that creativity finds a way - even in Switzerland’s most rule-abiding corners.

Now I’m curious: What’s the most memorable street art you’ve ever come across, whether at home or while traveling? And did you find a favorite among Zurich's pieces?