On the 30th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall, I find myself reflecting on a fateful night in 1989 that forever etched itself into my memory. As an Italian-born photographer, my connection to this historic event runs deep, and I'd like to take you on a journey back in time to that momentous night in Berlin.
In 1989, I was in Berlin, visiting my ex-partner Rosemarie. Berlin, a city divided by a concrete behemoth, was an emblem of the Cold War's harsh reality. I was experiencing the usual Berlin winter, exploring the East side of town, which was under the control of the ex-Soviet Union – the German Democratic Republic (DDR).
On the evening of the 9th of November, I embarked on a stroll from Alexanderplatz to Friedrichstraße train station, which was also a checkpoint to board the metro train back to Berlin West. My command of the German language wasn't great then, and it isn't much better today, but I didn't need fluency to understand that something extraordinary was happening.
There was an unusual crowd on the train, and rumours were circulating that the authorities had just opened some checkpoints across Berlin East. I couldn't believe it, so I made my way to Checkpoint Charlie, one of the most iconic locations associated with the Berlin Wall. The streets were alive with people celebrating, cars streaming west across the border. The atmosphere was electric, and I could see the expressions on people's faces – a mix of joy, surprise, and disbelief.
Just a few weeks earlier, I had followed the wall's borderlines by train, on foot, and by bicycle. I was captivated by the unusual sociopolitical and geographical arrangements of the wall. From that visual and psychological perspective, I never lost sight of the fact that I was witnessing history through the eyes of freedom.
The fall of the Berlin Wall was a stark reminder that human sacrifices were made, and they should never be forgotten. My father, Luigi, instilled in me the values of freedom, respect and equality for people of all backgrounds, regardless of their gender, religion, or political beliefs.
As I held my camera that night, capturing images and memories, I did so with a profound sense of gratitude. I knew that I was able to document this historic moment thanks to a generation of Europeans who had made great sacrifices for peace and freedom. It was a testament to the enduring spirit of human resilience and the unyielding desire for a world where walls are torn down, not built up.
The fall of the Berlin Wall is a vivid chapter in the story of our shared humanity, and it reminds us that when we unite for a common purpose, we can overcome even the most formidable barriers. It's a legacy worth cherishing, celebrating, and passing on to future generations.
Borderlines
A photographic exhibition featuring the Berlin Wall, people and places before, during, and after the fall of "The Wall"
Goethe Institute Sydney from 23 November 2019.
