Berlin Wall Art

For 28 years, the stark cement blocks of the notorious Berlin wall reminded Germans and travelers to Germany that they were on the front lines of the Cold War. As the western city rebuilt into its cement cage, a traumatized population began to express their anger in paint. What started out as graffiti on an architectural scar grew into extended visual commentaries on a divided nation caught up in the ultimate ideological battle. And then, the battle ended. As Germans rushed to tear down their symbol of division, some realized a work of art was being destroyed as well - and that at least part of it was worth saving.