This year, Holocaust Remembrance Day – also called Yom Hashoah – falls on Thursday, April 12th. It marks the anniversary of the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising that occurred in the spring of 1943, and corresponds to the 27th day of Nisan on the Hebrew calendar. The internationally recognized event is a fantastic reminder of how dangerous division and narrow-minded ideology can be. But is also an impressive example of the strength, ingenuity, and genuine love humanity is capable of.
During the Holocaust (1933 – 1948), more than 11 million people perished, 6 million of which were Jews. To honor their memories, sirens across Israel annually sound off for a span of 2 minutes at 10 a.m. But, in other parts of the world, nations have come up with their own ways of commemorating the anniversary of this incredibly tragic and senseless event. On a personal level, many pay their respect through altruism, via education, or with the arts.
“A purpose of human life, no matter who is controlling it, is to love whoever is around to be loved.” ― Kurt Vonnegut, The Sirens of Titan (1959)
While Kurt Vonnegut (1922 - 2007) was not directly involved in the Holocaust, he was a writer whose experiences as a soldier and POW in WWII (1939 - 1935) shaped his understanding of human cruelty as well as benevolence in almost equal measure. People’s duality was thoroughly explored in his works and the works of other artists who were touched by the Holocaust in some way. As a result, great works of art were produced by many of them.
It is fitting then that art is now being used by people to remember, provide aid for, and tell the stories of those who cannot. It is also quite appropriate that art, which is by definition the process of creation, is also used to combat the forces of destruction. There are numerous ways with which the arts honor the memories of those who were affected by the Holocaust; memorials, films, books, music, and paintings are a few of them, but there are also others.
ARTpublika Magazine is proud to be a keynote sponsor at 501s for Humanity’s Debut Charity Art Auction on April 12th, from 4:00-9:00 pm at the NU Hotel located on 85 Smith Street in Brooklyn, New York. Co-founders Matthew Virgin and Kristina Perry formed the art auction organization to address various causes throughout the year; its goal is “to honor the past, experience the present, and inspire the future for the betterment of humanity.”
"They believe that art transcends all identities and brings world history to life." And we believe that art is absolutely vital for documenting, innovating, and improving the world. As such, the “Art For the Heart and Soul” art auction in honor of International Holocaust Remembrance Day is a wonderful endeavor that seeks to help various initiatives that seek to benefit humanity. For more information, please check out the event press release and invitation.