Etched in Flesh and Soul: The Auschwitz Number in Art

The Auschwitz number was tattooed on prisoners at the Auschwitz concentration camp complex, reminding them of the horrors of the Holocaust. This book explores how the image of the Auschwitz number is used in art to portray the Holocaust and its meaning, and how it is used in public and private Holocaust commemoration and to protest, warn, and fight against Holocaust denial.

Format: Hardback
Length: 219 pages
Publication date: 20 December 2021
Publisher: De Gruyter

A series of numbers, etched indelibly onto the forearms of prisoners at the Auschwitz concentration camp complex, serve as a haunting testament to the horrors of the Holocaust. This tragic chapter in history has left an indelible mark on the lives of children, parents, grandparents, and a significant number of non-Jews, scarring them for life. The Auschwitz number, etched into their flesh and souls, serves as a constant reminder of the atrocities committed during that period.

References to the Auschwitz number can be found in artworks created during and after the Holocaust, by survivors and non-survivors alike. These artists use the number to portray the Holocaust and its profound impact on society. This book delves into the artist's consciousness and the collective perception of different societies regarding the Auschwitz number. It explores the various ways in which the number is used in public and private Holocaust commemoration, as well as its role as a powerful symbol of protest, warning, and resistance against Holocaust denial.

The Auschwitz number has become an iconic representation of the Holocaust, symbolizing the millions of lives lost and the resilience of those who survived. It serves as a reminder of the importance of never forgetting the past and the need to combat antisemitism, racism, and hatred in all its forms. Through the artwork of survivors and non-survivors, as well as the collective memory of society, the Auschwitz number continues to inspire and empower individuals to stand up against injustice and promote peace and understanding.

Weight: 499g
Dimension: 240 x 170 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783110739916