The wall in the world
The Berlin Wall is a symbol of the Cold War and the German-German division, the consequences of which can still be seen today. This division was not only political or geographical, in fact it fundamentally encroached upon the cultural identity. Even today many countries are divided in this way or are separated from their neighbours by borders that are difficult to penetrate.
The Goethe-Institut is encouraging exchange across these borders on the 20th anniversary of the Fall of the Wall with a symbolic “Mauerreise” – Journey of the Wall. As an international part of the planned Domino Effect at the Fest der Freiheit (Festival of Freedom) on 9th November at the Brandenburg Gate, the Goethe-Institut is inviting artists from Germany, Korea, China, Mexico, Cyprus, Yemen, Israel and Palestine to convey their border experiences artistically on the “bricks”. The “Mauerreise” begins in May 2009.
Twenty symbolic wall bricks are being sent from Berlin. Their destination: Israel, Palestine, Korea, Cyprus, Yemen and other places where everyday life is characterised by division and border experience.
In these places the bricks will become a blank canvas for artists, intellectuals and young people to tackle the “wall” phenomenon.
