“Nie wieder ist jetzt” (2024)

Early 2024 I heard on the news that children in Holland do not know much about the Holocaust. For a boomer like me, that is unthinkable and unbearable, which is why I made this painting. It is not related to the aftermath of October 7th or to Israeli government actions. It is to tell Gen Z and others that we should never forget. In the painting, Auschwitz images are first painted and then faded, like they are fading away from our youth’s memories. The train track that runs through the gate, a yellow JEW star, bunk beds with prisoners, the ‘Arbeit macht Frei’ steel gate, barbed wire and a prisoners tattooed number are fading away. The bright David star represents the jewish people worldwide, who are threatened once more. After WWII the words ‘Nie Wieder’ (never again) described the world’s view on the Holocaust. With the Holocaust fading away from this generation, Nie wieder ist jetzt. Stop anti semitism worldwide.

Size is 150cm x 150cm, oil on canvas, without frame.