Holocaust Memorial. Extended Text, Pappy

[eland]

Seeing Igor's fine display of photographs of Auschwitz/Birkenau
made me think that perhaps viewers might be interested
in this composite photograph.

http://home.iprimus.com.au/dee333/aholo.jpg

This was an assignment that I was asked to do last year for a group commemorating the Holocaust.
(they had heard that I do composite photographs.)

The individual photographs are all of real inmates of concentration camps
(except Heydrich of course and the man, lower left No.13
at the War Crimes Trials).

Many of the photographs are of people found in the camps
by the liberating armies.

Others, like the shocked-looking man between Heydrich's cap and his gloved hand
were photographed by a **** soldier.

This terrified man and the man behind him, were in the back of a van
and knew that in a few moments the door would be slammed shut on their lives
and they would be gassed by the van's exhaust fumes.

On the right, below the woman wearing a yellow star are
a woman's legs. Her right leg was intentionally broken below the knee,
in one of Dr Mengele's experiments.

I could not, at short notice, find a photograph of Heydrich
wearing a **** armband.
The armband was taken from a poster of Hitler.

In all there are 29 layers in this image.

All photographs were originally in Black & White.

eland

[pappy]

A very interesting and well executed composite, the colour elements are fantastic. Like Igor's excellent photographs it is a reminder of a dreaful time in our history. The faces are haunting.

Regards,
Peter

[Stoneh]

It's a very Powerfull Image

[pappy]

Thanks very much Eland for your kindness is giving me an explanation of this image - 29 layers, incredible! I have yet to succeed with any composite, my attempts to this point have been rather half-hearted and I know how difficult it is to produce an image that is seamless as well as in its correct context.

Your explanation of the images you included is also appreciated. The thought of Mengele abusing this woman and many others is revolting, isn't it? So many victims, it's very saddening.

I really appreciate your time and trouble in writing all of this.

Best Regards,
Peter

[Leighow]

HAL


Expertly fashioned by a true expert.

I was one of the lucky guys. Here are a few comments:

(1) I was on this earth at a time and in a place that allowed me to "miss out" on war. So many others around the world (in both the recent and distant past)did not. The future looks kind of bleak too! If more of the world's people received the benefits of time, place, caring and science that I did, evil would cease to be.

(2) Here in Ottawa, we are in the throws of building a new war museum.

(3) Two war-historian friends of mine have already planned their their trip to Normandy's 60th anniversary. I asked if my wife and I could tag along but it seemed as if most of the available accommodation has already been booked.

(4) In a week or two we will be enjoying an air show celebrating the 1st 100 years of air travel. Show managers are hoping that Sopwith Camels will be on display.

HOWIE

[eland]

Dear Peter and Howie

Thank you for your very much appreciated comments
on the composite photo.
It was a nightmare time for the poor unfortunates caught
up in that cycle of madness.

And what a frightening lesson that it could happen to one
of the most technically advanced, cultured and artistic
peoples on earth.

Again thank you both.

We look forward to seeing your airshow images, Howie.
It would be a bit far for you to go Peter, but maybe you have a
similar display coming to the West ?

Kindest regards
hal
eland

[TimNYC24]

Eland, one word can't describe your work on that particular composite, but I'll try..... ART

Fantastic work!

[pappy]

Do you mean an airshow Hal? I think there is one in July or August at the Springbank airport, just west of us. I enjoy others photos of aircraft but if I tried I would probably hurt myself ;)

Kind Regards,
Peter

[eland]

Dear TimNYC24

Thank you for your very kind comment on the composite.

Studying the history of the concentration camps became
totally absorbing and shocking.
After that the composite seemed to grow of its own accord.

The woman on the right, photographed in Auschwitz
was not wearing the yellow Star of David.
This was mandatory in the Ghettos.
Hers had just been removed for use on some other
hapless victim.

I fashioned her star from the black iron star on the gate
of a smashed synagogue in Berlin.

Thank you again.
Your encouragement is very much appreciated and makes
it all worthwhile.

Sincerely
eland

[eland]

Peter,
There is likely to be an airshow somewhere near to your
area.
It will be to celebrate 100 years of flight.

The technology has come a long way in a hundred years
but one can't help feeling that Man is still rather primitive
and can't seem to get along with his fellow human beings.

Hope you enjoy the airshow when it comes around.
If you don't want to take pictures, Terry in the UK and
others will have good ones for us, I'm sure.

Kind regards
hal

[slejhamer]

eland,

I did not know the story behind all of the individual photos when you first shared this outstanding artwork with me. Quite horrific.

Great work.