The confirmation of the General Theory of Relativity made headlines in 1919. The Berliner Illustrirten called Einstein the "new, great one in world history." What fascinates the masses about the creator of the Theory of Relativity?
In a time of economic and political uncertainty after World War I, the Thoery of Relativity is mystified - the catch phrase was "everything is relative." In the early thirties, Einstein's colleague, Ernest Rutherford, describes the Theory of Relativty as a "magnificent work of art." However, Einstein himself is already becoming a work of art, a myth and a cult figure in public life. He is photographed, drawn and painted. His portraits become icons of popular culture, his face appears on stamps and coins throughout the world. Einstein's persona is used as a role in the movies, and his theories supply the vocabulary and conceptual models for science fiction. At the same time his work always brings up the question\: What is science?
While Albert Einstein makes his discoveries, new styles of fine art form on the European continent. They deal with the themes of space, time motion and speed. The language of avant-garde art is different to the language of science. However, parallels can be made between physics and art. Einstein broke with the traditional ideas of physics. Avant-garde art broke with the traditions of the 19th century. Their designs were at the boundary of what can be depicted, and Einstein at the boundary of what can be conceived.