(Re-)visualizing the 'heart of hell'? Representations of the Auschwitz Sonderkommando in the art of David Olère and Son of Saul (László Nemes, 2015)

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

This paper discusses recurrent debates over whether there are limits in representing the experience of the Sonderkommando in Auschwitz, with particular reference to art by the survivor David Olère and László Nemes’ Saul Fia (Son of Saul). It argues that whilst those Sonderkommando who sought to represent the ‘heart of hell’ were acutely aware of the limits of representation, they remained resolutely committed to communicating that reality; and concludes that whilst Son of Saul cannot, and does not seek to, fully represent the ‘heart of hell,’ it nevertheless offers an important creative and provocative exploration of aspects of that experience.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)131-146
Number of pages16
JournalHolocaust Studies: A Journal of Culture and History
Volume27
Issue number1
Early online date21 Jun 2019
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2021

Keywords

  • Auschwitz
  • Laszlo Nemes
  • Son of Saul
  • David Olere

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of '(Re-)visualizing the 'heart of hell'? Representations of the Auschwitz Sonderkommando in the art of David Olère and Son of Saul (László Nemes, 2015)'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this