The relationship between power and man was formative for A.R. Penck. Observed and marginalised as an idiosyncratic artist in the GDR – celebrated as an avant-gardist in the West. Penck’s sign language as a means of understanding detached from politics, social hurdles and control. The work “Pentagon IV” shows a dense composition, with the central green figure clearly pointing to a pentagonal sign with the motif of an eye. The clarity suggested by the title and symbols such as crosses, skulls and eyes impressively reflects Penck’s artistic will for open and universally accessible communication.