How a once-feared border has become a colourful canvas for art and memories

The Berlin Wall was a border fortification between 1961 and 1989, separating West Germany from its communist foes in the east. For many, particularly those who lived east of the wall, it was a symbol of oppression. Families were divided and many died trying to cross it. The wall measured 155 kilometres until most of it was torn down on November 9, 1989, signalling the end of the Cold War.

Sections of the wall remain, including the open-air East Side Gallery, which is now decorated by works of 118 artists from 21 countries. Some of its artworks are particularly popular, such as Dmitri Vrubel's Fraternal Kiss and Birgit Kinder's painting of a Trabant crashing through the wall. The artwork above was by Mary Mackey. Titled Tolerance, it is an appeal for open-mindedness towards people with different backgrounds. It's doubtful that message had reached the young skateboarder using the concrete canvas for his own rebellious version of performance art.