Description

This original Cologne inspired artwork from Steit’s Graffiti series explores the sensory pairing Smell & Scent, drawing direct reference to Eau de Cologne, the historic fragrance that originated in the city.

Layered stencil repetitions of Cologne’s historic crest, featuring the three golden crowns and eleven black drops, form the visual core of the composition. Rendered in shifting colours and transparencies, the crest becomes both symbol and pattern. Red and white, the official colours of Cologne, anchor the work, while gradients of blue, yellow, green, violet, and orange represent the city’s cultural diversity.

The soft gradient spray technique deliberately blurs edges and boundaries, mirroring the way scent operates. Invisible, persistent, and deeply tied to memory and identity. Each colour functions as a metaphor for a different community or origin, reflecting Cologne as a multicultural, living city rather than a fixed image.

This is an abstract yet sensory interpretation of Cologne, one that invites the viewer to experience the city not just visually, but almost through smell.

Created in Cologne, July 2025.

Original artwork specifications

• Stretched Canvas
• Glossy Multi colour Spray paint
• 60 x 60 x 1.5 cm
• Unique artwork

Canvas may have a slight size deviation up to a few millimetres.