Kurt Barnert, a young artist from East Germany, experiences traumatic events during his childhood when his aunt Elizabeth is taken away by the Nazis due to her alleged mental instability. As he grows older, Kurt develops a passion for painting but finds himself stifled by the oppressive art style mandated by the socialist regime. He eventually becomes a student at an art academy, where he grapples with finding his true artistic voice amidst the political turmoil. Here, he meets and falls in love with Ellie Seeband, who becomes his muse and source of inspiration. Ellie's father, Professor Carl Seeband, is a prominent gynecologist with a sinister past, which inadvertently links him to Kurt's early life tragedies.

As Kurt and Ellie's relationship deepens, Kurt relocates to West Germany to escape the constraints of East Germany and gain creative freedom. In the new environment, he struggles to establish himself as an artist but gradually begins to find his way. His journey towards self-discovery in the world of art leads him to uncover profound truths about his past and the intersection with Ellie's family history. Through his art, Kurt seeks to reconcile with his personal demons and the historical atrocities he was subjected to, ultimately striving to find his own unique expression and identity.