When in Berlin Germany, nothing can be as fascinating as visiting the East Side Gallery. This public art can be best described as an open-air gallery which is on the River Spree: here, a section 1.3 kilometers long of the Berlin Wall can still be seen. But what exactly is the East Side Gallery and why it became so critical? Let’s explore!
The Historical Context: The Berlin Wall
The Berlin Wall was a barrier built by the German Democratic Republic or East Germany in 1961 to divide East Berlin which was under GDR control and west Berlin which was under Federal Republic of Germany control. The wall was an emblem of communism against democracy and of the so named cold war, until it came down in 1989.
The Birth of the East Side Gallery
In the summer of 1990, artists from around the world came to the city of Berlin to alternately paint the remains of the Berlin Wall. The East Side Gallery as such was formally created in 1990 when more than 100 artists painted a part of the wall and turned it into this longest and the largest open-air gallery in the world.
Art as a Symbol of Freedom and Unity
Not only do we find art as an element but the East Side Gallery represents the idea of freedom, unity and hope for a better tomorrow. All of them have a message, and discuss topics like political protest, inequality, and seeking liberty. First, it is useful as referring to the fight that once separated the city of Berlin and the liberation of Germany through a non-violent revolution.
Key Artworks at the East Side Gallery
Spend sometime simply walking along the East Side Gallery and you will get to enjoy different kinds of art. Here are a few notable pieces worth exploring:
1. “The Fraternal Kiss” by Dmitri Vrubel
This mural reproduces a photograph by Leonid Brezhnev, the leader of the Soviet Union, and Erich Honecker, the GDR leader, making out. In this case, the mural symbolizes the political relationship in the period and desire of the people for a crisis-free existence.
2. “My God, Help Me to Survive This Deadly Love” by Dmitri Vrubel
Another work of art by Dmitri Vrubel that has been painted is a political one that shows Leonid Brezhnev kissing Erich Honecker , with the warning phrase of ‘Do Not Prison Me’.
3. “Test the Rest” by Birgit Kinder
Birgit Kinder worked on a mural depicting a Trabant car breaking wall, and it is for everyone, who decided to quit the limited and search for something beyond.
Tips for Visiting the East Side Gallery
If you’re planning to visit the East Side Gallery, here are a few helpful tips to make the most of your experience:
Don comfortable shoes as you will moved through the length of the gallery.
Go in the morning before the crowds get in to make the best of times with the art being created.
Be sure to take pictures of the energy-catching-murals on a camera or an Smartphone; however it is prohibited to step on the street art.
You may want to get a tour guide, especially in order to better understand the background of all the events that occurred during the period, as well as the particulars concerning certain pieces of art.
Never rush through the descriptions that are given at the bottom of each artwork, they can give so much insight about the piece.
Preserving the East Side Gallery
The East Side Gallery has experienced some problems in its existence such as acts of vandals, storm and damage, threats posed by real estate development. Nevertheless, due to work of different organizations and artists, the translation has been preserved after all. If you wish to do your part in supporting the gallery, personally donate to the cause or perhaps, buy a token from one of the stores around.
Conclusion
I consider the East Side Gallery as a mosaic of art, history, and people’s soul. We are getting a powerful message about division at the same time as we got one about unity and creativity at its best. In light of this, ensure that you put the East Side Gallery at the top of your list of places to visit any time you are in Berlin—certainly, it is best approached as a mixture of art gallery, history lesson, and booster shot.
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