Michael Muller & Lukas Toepfer: Am Abgrund der Bilder - "Birkenau"

This book is dedicated to works by Michael Müller commenting on four paintings by Gerhard Richter entitled Birkenau, which aim to reappraise the cruel historical fact of the Auschwitz II/Birkenau extermination camp in various artistic forms. The exhibitions focus on the Sonderkommando, a work detachment of selected Jewish prisoners from 1942 to 1944/45, who were forced to prepare for and clear up after the extermination of their fellow human beings under SS supervision and facing a constant threat to their lives. The book documents the key works of this artistic investigation and contextualises them in a detailed essay by art historian Lukas Töpfer.

Format: Hardback
Length: 108 pages
Publication date: 08 May 2023
Publisher: De Gruyter

This captivating book pays homage to the artistic interpretations of Michael Müller (*1970) on four remarkable paintings by Gerhard Richter (*1932), titled "Birkenau." Through his profound commentary, Müller seeks to reexamine the harrowing historical reality of Auschwitz II/Birkenau extermination camp in diverse artistic mediums. While his critical remarks on Richter's works are direct and forthright, they are accompanied by a series of less conspicuous, introspective, and even wounded artworks by Müller, which were showcased at the Museum im Kulturspeicher Würzburg in 2022/23 and will soon be presented at St. Matthews Church in Berlin's Kulturforum in spring 2023, coinciding with the publication of this book.

The central theme of both exhibitions revolves around the Sonderkommando, a group of selected Jewish prisoners from 1942 to 1944/45. These individuals were subjected to the inhumane task of preparing for and cleaning up after the extermination of their fellow human beings under the watchful eyes of the SS, while constantly facing the threat of their own lives. This book serves as a comprehensive documentation of the key works that comprise Michael Müller's profound artistic investigation into this subject matter. Furthermore, it provides a detailed essay by art historian Lukas Töpfer (*1988), which contextualizes these artworks within the broader historical and artistic context.

By delving into the depths of Müller's artistic exploration, this book offers a profound and thought-provoking journey into the darkest chapters of human history. It serves as a testament to the power of art to shed light on the atrocities of the past, provoke reflection, and inspire empathy. As we navigate through the pages of this remarkable publication, we are invited to confront the harsh realities of the Holocaust and its enduring impact on our world. Through Müller's visionary interpretations and Töpfer's insightful commentary, we gain a deeper understanding of the human capacity for resilience, compassion, and the pursuit of truth and justice.

So, let us immerse ourselves in the world of "Birkenau" and explore the profound messages conveyed through the art of Michael Müller and Gerhard Richter. May this book serve as a catalyst for dialogue, education, and a collective commitment to prevent such atrocities from ever repeating themselves in the future.

ISBN-13: 9783422801264