From 1961 to 1989, the Berlin Wall separated West Germany from East Germany.
But when the wall finally fell in 1989, signaling the demise of communism in Europe, people knew little about the life and culture of East Germany.
However, through Friday, June 2, the Goethe-Institut of German Culture will exhibit the work of painter and photographer Juergen Valdeig. A native of the city Erfurt in the German state Thuringia, Valdeig's work brings the landscapes and cities of former East Germany to Texan eyes.
"Most Americans think of Germany as the Rhine and castles of Bavaria," said Brigitte Metzger, program coordinator of the Goethe-Institut. "But there's more to Germany than beer and sausage."
"This artist is showing a part of Germany that most people don't know about."
The Goethe-Institut is located at 3120 Southwest Freeway, Suite 100. For more information, call 528-787.
Titled "The Luther Cities" Valdeig's exhibit features the historical cities where Protestant reformer Martin Luther preached and worked.
"Valdeig has very traditional water colors and photographs of landscapes in former East Germany," said Metzger.
"He selected material on the cities where Luther preached and translated the Bible. There are quite a number of churches and landscapes in the exhibit."
In addition to paintings and photographs, Valdeig has also made available tourism information on the German state Thuringia.
"Thuringia used to be known as the Green Heart of Germany" said Metzger. "It was always a resort destination, especially for people wanting to improve their health."
"When the Berlin Wall went up, many people were not able to go over there. But now, they're trying to promote tourism again."
Founded in the early 1950s, the Goethe-Institut is a world-wide organisation dedicated to introducing German culture to foreign countries. Prior to the fall of the Berlin Wall, the institute presented programs representative of West Germany. But these days, the Goethe-Institut has widened its focus.
"Since the reunification of West and East Germany, the Goethe-Institut has been asked to do more lectures and programs about former East Germany" said Metzger.
"Normally, if we want to get a German artist over here it's very expensive. In this case, since (Valdeig) was coming over already, it wasn't difficult."
Valdeig has traveled to the United States before and likes to spend time every year painting in Arizona. The Grand Canyon National Park has asked him to exhibit some of his American landscapes work in honor of the Hoover Dam's 60th anniversary.
