Der Mensch bezwingt den Kosmos Tilework

Across 70 meters, the Der Mensch bezwingt den Kosmos tilework unfolds. This massive artwork, created by Fritz Eisel between 1969 and 1972, adorns the ground floor of a former office building on Breite Straße. Der Mensch bezwingt den Kosmos, meaning “Man Conquers the Cosmos,” reflects the socialist ideals of progress and the “scientific-technical revolution” in the DDR. The 18-panel mosaic is a striking example of how art was used to convey political messages and promote idealized societal images. Originally part of the VEB Maschinelles Rechnen building complex, the artwork stands on the historical site of the Potsdam Garrison Church, which was demolished in 1968. This location adds another layer of meaning to the artwork, presenting a stark contrast between socialist progress and the former military church. The tilework depicts various scenes representing the triumph of socialism. Rockets, jet fighters, and radar installations allude to the nation’s defense capabilities. A stylized space scene with a Soyuz spacecraft and a Soviet cosmonaut declares the socialist system’s dominance in space exploration. Modern agricultural machinery symbolizes advancements in farming. Electronic instruments represent the data processing revolutionizing East German science and production. The north side of the building even features Albert Einstein’s E=mc² equation alongside Marxist economic principles, illustrating the foundation of this progress. Der Mensch bezwingt den Kosmos isn’t just a piece of art. It’s a time capsule. It encapsulates the euphoria and self-understanding of East German society during that period. It’s a bold declaration of their aspirations, their beliefs, and their vision of the future.