British photographer discovers hidden GDR art in Tangerhütte

British photographer discovers hidden GDR art in Tangerhütte

Art and architecture from the former GDR not only captivate locals, but also international visitors. An example of this is the British photographer Lachlan Finlayson, who recently visited the town of Tangerhütte in the Stendal district. Despite the fact that Tangerhütte is not exactly known as an art metropolis, Finlayson found interesting motifs there that really appealed to his artistic eye. The 66-year-old from London has a particular fondness for the aesthetic aspects of GDR architecture and art, which led him to explore the region.

However, his interest went far beyond the city limits. In a further step he visited the state parliament of Saxony-Anhalt, where he was particularly impressed by the glass-concrete windows. These impressive works were created in the 1970s by the artist Richard O. Wilhelm for the water management school in the state parliament building. Despite their historical significance, the windows remained unchanged after reunification, which Wilhelm describes as a form of historical acceptance: “You have to live with your history.”

The artistic value of the windows

During his visit, Finlayson expressed that works of art and architecture are often characterized by different opinions. He is aware that the history of these windows is a controversial one, but he sees an artistic value that exists regardless of the historical context. This perspective encourages reflection on how to deal with art in a divided history.

In addition to the windows, Richard O. Wilhelm also created the “glass flower” in the Palace of the Republic in the GDR, highlighting his versatility as an artist. It is fascinating how such works of art are still discussed and valued decades after they were created.

For Finlayson, the trip to Tangerhütte and the visit to the state parliament enriched his artistic perspective. At a time when interest in GDR art and architecture is high, it is encouraging to see how international artists are taking up these topics and stimulating discussion. You can find more information about GDR art and architecture at retraceblog.