Building the Republic, Berlin, Germany

Max Lingner's "Building the Republic," Berlin, Germany

In 1953, German artist Max Lingner's remarkable mural "Building the Republic" (Aufbau der Republik). 18 meters long and in the Socialist Realism style, the mural was hated by its creator. That's because Lingner studied in Paris and was not a proponent of the Soviet art style. But, in 1950's East Germany, Socialist Realism was a requirement for public art. Lingner revised his mural five times until it bore little resemblance to the original.

Max Lingner's "Building the Republic," Berlin, Germany

Artwork from Soviet bloc countries during this era are fascinating. All the pieces have a very similar look and theme. It is all for the glory of the state. Everyone has an odd smile plastered on their face as they work together towards a Socialist utopia.

Max Lingner's "Building the Republic," Berlin, Germany

But, since I grew up in the seventies, and Lingner's work is less boxy than some other Soviet artwork of the time, I can't help but think that Kraftwerk were just a little inspired by this.

Ironically, the same year that the piece was unveiled, Soviet tanks crushed an uprising in East Berlin. Workers, the same proletariat lovingly portrayed in Lingner's mural, were killed and injured by soldiers. Later, dozens of protesters were executed and hundreds sent to prison. All this for protesting an increase in productivity quotas that came with no increase in pay.

Max Lingner's "Building the Republic," Berlin, Germany

Today, the mural stands in its original location, at the Detlev Rohwedder Building, more commonly known to Berliners as the Air Ministry Building.

Max Lingner's "Building the Republic," Berlin, Germany

The mural is easily accessible and worth a stop during your trip to Berlin. 

Max Lingner's "Building the Republic," Berlin, Germany

I took my pictures from a distance so I could get the entire mural in a single shot. But, I wish I would have gone closer to get better pictures of the mural in sections. The pictures presented here of individual parts of the mural are just cropped versions of the originals, allowing you to see it in more detail.

Max Lingner's "Building the Republic," Berlin, Germany

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