These visually stunning German transformer stations display artistic paint jobs that beautify their surroundings while discouraging graffiti artists.

“Transformatorenstation” is German for “transformer stations”, formerly known as “substations” before the advent of large electric power plants altered their prime function to be power distribution stations. These box-like structures are nowadays mainly prefabricated with little or no decorative aspects.

While this practice is cheaper, the stations are extremely alluring to graffiti artists due to their being “blank canvases” in public view. Thus, locally sponsored initiatives that enlist artists to paint the stations save money in the long run, as less funds need to be expended on graffiti removal. This “trafostation” (to use the German short form) celebrates the long maritime tradition in the Baltic Sea port city of Rostock, as captured by Flickr members Patrick in July of 2014 and Victor Valore (PowerSubShot) in February of 2018.

Seat of Power

These transformer stations are located in Wismar, another historic Hanseatic League town located on the Baltic Sea coast west of Rostock. Wismar-based artist Christian Pursch of TEML-Designs painted these two stations, the first of which appears to portray the benefits of electrification to homeowners. Flickr member Patrick snapped these Wismar trafostations in early 2014.

Mammoth Undertaking

Flickr member abudulla.saheem photographed this rather large transformer station in Köln (Cologne), an historic city in southeastern Germany famed for its iconic twin-spired cathedral. Note the graffiti tag on the concrete support span above the station – the anonymous “artist” went out of their way to tag above the artwork. Maybe the city should pay to have ALL of its infrastructure arted up.

Where the Really Wild Things Are

Public art usually doesn’t raise the hackles… this example, however, will raise the hairs on the back of your neck! How the artist got this concept past the organizing committee we’ll never know, but here it is, freaking people out daily in a shady corner of Rostock. Flickr member Zarner01 captured this suburban horror show in February of 2016.

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Eye Powered 12 Artistic German Transformer Stations

(image via: howieluvzus)

When Banksy visited New Orleans in 2008, the renowned graffiti artist wasn’t just leaving behind his particular brand of social and political commentary on Hurricane Katrina and its effects on New Orleans culture – he was coming to do battle with the Gray Ghost. Two years later, only a single Banksy work has escaped the gray paint roller, and only because it’s behind plexiglass.

(image via: quazen)

Fred Radtke made it his mission to erase every bit of graffiti in the city long before Banksy’s arrival, sweeping down the street with his paint roller in hand. The anti-street-art crusader passed quietly through each neighborhood, obliterating all traces of spray paint with his own signature splotches of gray – hence his nickname. Some locals celebrated his dedication to keeping New Orleans clean, while others decried his assault against free expression.

(image via: fabricmag)

The Gray Ghost himself became the subject of some of Banksy’s New Orleans work, depicted as a bent figure blotting out color on the city’s walls. Where Banksy painted over huge swaths of Radtke’s gray paint, Radtke came back and painted over many of Banksy’s works of art (captured on video in one case) – without the permission of the property owners. Each Banksy reportedly increased the value of the building it adorned by $75,000 – $200,000.

(images via: aboxcarnamedruin, artbymags)

In 2009, Radtke finally went too far and painted over a commissioned mural. He pled no contest to a charge of criminal trespassing and agreed to get permission from property owners before performing his “community service.”

(image via: satanoid)

Not all of the Banksy obliteration came courtesy of the Gray Ghost. A man was actually photographed in the process of painting over ‘Boy on Life Preserver’. But regardless of who covered them, it seems that they’re all gone but ‘Rain Girl’, thanks to its protective plexiglass.