Berlin is an amazing city, especially for you history buffs out there. The city was a major pawn during the Cold War in the 70’s and 80’s. To separate East (socialist Germany) and West (NATO-aligned) Germany a wall was built through the middle of Berlin. In 1989, the wall came down and became a symbol for the end of the Cold War. There a different portions of the wall still standing today, my favorite is what has become the East Side Gallery. After the Wall came down, artists from all over the world flocked to turn a 1.3 km (.8 miles) stretch of the East Side wall into, what is now, the world’s largest open air art gallery. What follows are some of my favorite works of the 106 that are there. What I also like about the wall, that I think other backpackers will agree with me on, is that its free to visit! I apologize in advance for less than stellar photography!
I really like the use of language in this piece. The words on the wall really resonated with me and I think that are words that should be remembered and lived by now and in the future.
This guy is kind of spooky, but I dig it.
I can’t even say how impressed I am by this painting, it looks so real. When a painting makes me step back and question if it might actually be a picture, I know it was well done.
Who’s that strapping young gentleman?
Another use of language in art that I enjoy. The graffiti that added an “s” in front of he I think adds to the piece. Although I’m sure the original artist would disagree with me.
And finally, my favorite work on the wall. This is a picture of Leonid Brezhnev, the Soviet Leader, and Erich Honecker, the leader of West Berlin, embracing each other in a heartfelt kiss. Nothing says peace and unity like a kiss.
There are hundreds of other paintings that I encourage all of you to go and check out for yourselves!
–Nick