radarboy

Congratulations to Berlin and Germany on a peaceful transition of power 20 years ago, a successful reunification and the end of the silliness, known as the GDR and the Berlin Wall.

Although we normally blog about installation art, design and other such things, today’s post is on the most beautiful art of all – the art of life.

That’s How The Light Gets In has a nice account of the buildup to the 9 November the peaceful revolution.

The “Friendly Revolution” and the mass mobilization of people across eastern Europe had a great personal impact on me, and many other fellow South Africans, in the belief that an end to Apartheid was possible.

Under the banner of the Mass Democratic Movement hundreds of thousands of people flooded onto the streets of every city in South African, effectively leading to the un-banning of civic organisations, the release of Tata Madiba and to the negotiated settlement.

So 9-11 is a fitting day for me to get my residence permit in Germany. It was quite an ordeal. And as a reminder to the state of the nation, as I was walking into the visa offices, a girl came out crying – her residence permit having obviously being refused.

I am no longer really interested in the past. I only mention all this, as perhaps an opportunity for me (and maybe you?!) to reflect for a moment as humans on what kind of society we would like to create.

For me it’s one of an end to nationalism, and a strengthening of a community of respect. A society where quality of life is valued. An end to pragmatism. Where the spaces we design and the lives we lead are not merely a means to an end, but a celebration of beauty and magnificence. A society where details are important. Where the journey is as important as the destination.

The silliness, however, unfortunately, still continues. Our governments still have a lot to learn and a long way to go.

Now it’s time for the next revolution. The removal of all the other walls on our planet.

“You should know that no human being is illegal. This is a contradiction in terms.
People can be beautiful or more beautiful. You can be just or unjust. But illegal?” How can a person be illegal? ”

Elie Wiesel

Read more about the Kein Mensch Ist Illegal movement in Germany here.

Posted in Blog | Tags: Berlin, Freedom, germany, Immigration, Nelson Mandela, Politics, south africa |

Also of interest:

Sculpture of Video Tape
Berlin Block Tetris
Binary Waves
Looking back East
James Turrell exhibits in Germany
Maak Gou Manne – Die Groot Beeker Kom
Berlin Lazer Rainbow
Digital Zoo
10 free classic dirty house gems
Light, Light, Tokyo Wonder

Most Popular Posts:

Going potty
Ebon Heath
Marti Guixe Sculpt Me Point
King of Africa: King's Car
David Shrigley whimsical illustrations and photograph's
MorseTweet Beta Released
Lori Hersberger
Digital Zoo
Erwin Redl LED Art
Peter Freeman's Traveling Light


You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.