The Leipzig Festival of Lights is more than just a commemoration — it is a living legacy that commemorates the events of October 9, 1989 every year. On that day, more than 70,000 people courageously took to the streets to protest against the SED dictatorship and for its freedom. The peaceful demonstrations of that day were a decisive moment in the Peaceful Revolution, which finally led to the opening of the Berlin Wall.
What makes this revolution so unique is the non-violence with which the revolution succeeded. The Monday demonstrations, which originated in St. Nicholas Church's prayers for peace, became a symbol of nonviolent resistance. To this day, they show the power of unity and peaceful protest.
Michael Fischer Art, an important artist and contemporary witness, was himself a participant in the Monday demonstrations. His memories of this historic period have been deeply incorporated into his artistic work. Fischer was not only a committed demonstrator, but also active in preparing the prayers for peace in Leipzig. His art, which he often painted on Sundays, became a visual expression of resistance. The poster “Visa free to Hawaii” carried by many demonstrators during the protests is particularly well known.
Fischer knows how to capture the emotional intensity of this period in his works and make it visible. The atmosphere of the demonstrations he describes was characterized by excitement and hope. In the midst of this explosive atmosphere, dialogue and the appeal for non-violence — for example through Kurt Masur's speech — made a decisive contribution to keeping the protest peaceful.
Michael Fischer Art's famous mural on Leipziger Brühl, the “Wendebild”, is a monumental work that reflects the ideals of the Peaceful Revolution. It is not only a work of art, but also a symbol of change and freedom. At a time when the memory of the Peaceful Revolution is more important than ever, the “turning picture” plays a central role. It is a cultural heritage that connects people to the ideals of 1989.
But now this historic work is to be dismantled and sold in small parts as independent works of art — a project that bears the name “freedom of art.” The idea behind this is to give everyone who is interested in Michael Fischer Art art or the Peaceful Revolution the opportunity to own a piece of history. The small fragments of the “turning image” are sold on Aludipond carrier plates as new, independent works of art. The proceeds go to a good cause, which further strengthens the connection between art, history and social commitment.
The Peaceful Revolution impressively shows how a dictatorship can be overthrown by the power of the people without bloodshed. The courage and determination of the people who demonstrated for freedom and human rights on the streets of Leipzig is an unprecedented chapter in history. Christian groups in particular played a central role by organizing Monday demonstrations and laying the foundation for this peaceful change.
Michael Fischer Art remembers the connection between church involvement and the broad mass of the population. The resistance, which began in small groups, grew into a mass protest, which was also attended by many workers who initially had little to do with the church. This broad support made the revolution what it was: a success of peaceful protest.
Every year, thousands of people gather in Leipzig to walk along the historic demonstration trail and remember the events of 1989. With impressive light installations, audio and video contributions, the city is transformed into a symbolic stage that reminds of the peaceful power of the people and the significance of the Peaceful Revolution. In this way, the legacy of this time remains alive and connects generations in a common memory.
The “Freedom of Art” project builds on this legacy by combining the art of Michael Fischer Art and the historical events of the turnaround. It offers people the opportunity to own a piece of this important wall painting and thus set an example for freedom, art and social change.
Hand-picked reversible image fragments on elegant aluminum plates in various formats.
