Auschwitz-Birkenau

Created by Forrest T., Aaron N., Asher B. & Mack C.

The largest concentration camp where the Nazis killed over one million people; however, where some showed incredible courage and resilience.

A False Promise 

Artist Statement

The core message of our artifact, “A False Promise,” explores both the horrors of the Nazis and the resilience of the Jewish people who experienced the dehumanizing imprisonment of Auschwitz and Birkenau.

We utilized various elements in our artifact to emphasize Jewish suffering and persistence against all odds. Our artifact mainly represents Jewish prisoners and Nazi oppression. In our presentation, a spotlit figure representing imprisoned Jews, tries to push out of a cage where he is trapped, prompting viewers to feel relief when witnessing how light outshines darkness. Although there is light outshining darkness, we still want viewers to understand the ways Nazis controlled every aspect of the Jews’ lives and connect to the artifact’s message on Auschwitz’s overall impact.

Despite the persistent oppression and entrapment of Jews by the Nazis, the Jewish people retained their humanity through resistance.

We chose the Star of David as a symbol of the humanity and faith of the Jewish people. When paired with the rest of our symbols and features, it highlights remarkable resilience.

Our symbols relating to Nazi oppression include the clutching hands and the sign above the cage. The sign, like the one above the gates of Auschwitz, states in German the ironic lie of “Work Sets You Free.” Our meaning of our hands is in the form, as the hands are trapping the Jewish people. The hands connect to our research on Nazi oppression. The use of red in the hands represents the Devil, evil, and Nazi colors, contributing to understanding how Nazis dominated Auschwitz. We used many materials, such as paint, model magic, 3d printing, mud, etc., which made our artifact realistic. We were very focused on the placement of a few things, especially the hands and the sign. The juxtaposition of the hands and the sign portrays the manipulative aspect of the Nazis and how they abused power through lies.

Our elements of art are shape and form. The shape of the Star of David represents Jewish faith and humanity, while the form of our person indicates resistance. Our first principle, contrast, is displayed in an interactive feature, a button that puts a grey sheet of paper over the Star of David, before the star shines through and lights the outside up. This represents how the Nazis were oppressing the Jews, and how the Jews stayed strong. The contrast is showcased in the switch from darkness to light; depression to liberation. Our second principle, emphasis, is found in the spotlit man.

In conclusion, this memorial matters because it highlights the humanity and resistance of the Jewish people, and teaches of Nazi brutality. It does this through specific lighting and meaningful symbols that will help viewers find a deep level of connection to our artifact. We hope that our viewers will take away our message, which includes Nazis persistently holding Jews and their faith to nothing, but that Jewish people survived and kept their faith. Viewers will hopefully feel relieved by this message and gain knowledge of this time period.