My God, Help Me to Survive This Deadly Love

This large-scale mural depicts the 1979 socialist fraternal kiss between Soviet leader Leonid Brezhnev and East German President Erich Honecker, measuring approximately 365 by 480 centimeters on the preserved Berlin Wall section.

Created by artist Dmitri Vrubel in 1990, the artwork references a photograph taken by Régis Bossu during East Germany's 30th anniversary celebrations, symbolizing the close political alliance between Moscow and East Berlin during the Cold War era.

The mural features Russian inscriptions reading 'God! help me stay alive' and 'Among this mortal love,' representing the artist's commentary on love transcending political boundaries and the human desire for survival amid ideological division.

Located at the East Side Gallery on Mühlenstraße near Heinrich-Heine-Straße, visitors can view this artwork freely as part of the 1.3-kilometer open-air memorial featuring murals from 118 artists representing 21 nations.

The original artwork deteriorated due to weather and vandalism, leading to its complete repainting in 2009 when Vrubel recreated the piece using more durable paints while maintaining the core message and visual impact.

Location: Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg

Inception: 1990

Creator: Dmitri Wrubel

Part of: East Side Gallery

Website: https://eastsidegalleryexhibition.com/artworks/vrubel-mein-gott-hilf-mir-diese-toedliche-liebe-zu-ueberleben

GPS coordinates: 52.50385,13.44281

Latest update: December 15, 2025 02:21