‘Lost Faces’ exhibition launches Holocaust Memorial Day programme
Mon, 11 Jan 2016 15:06:00 GMT
The exhibition, in partnership with 6 million+ Trust, portrays work by Leeds artist David Black and his personal response to the Holocaust
The Lost Faces exhibition, in partnership with 6 million+ Charitable Trust, is a series of paintings inspired by the family history of Leeds artist David Black as he tackles his personal connection with the Holocaust and is now on display in the University’s Creative Arts Building.
The public can see the artist’s personal and thought-provoking work as part of the 2016 Holocaust Memorial Day programme. Admission is free and the paintings will be exhibited until the 14 February.
David is the son of Eugene Black (pictured right today and in 1948 as a young man), formerly Jenő Schwarcz, a Holocaust Survivor of the death and concentration camps of Auschwitz-Birkenau, Buchenwald, Dora-Mittelbau, Harzungen and Bergen Belsen.
Eugene, a regular speaker at Holocaust Memorial Day events, has also spoken to hundreds of children in Kirklees and his story continues to be used in lessons about WW11.
“My father, who I provide care for, often told me about his experience of the Holocaust in WW11 and how the effects last through generations,” shares David. “My family’s Jewish heritage has played a massive role in my work, even if I didn’t realise it at the time.”
The title of the exhibition reflects the fact that there is only one photograph of Eugene’s sister Blanka which survived, sent by a distant relative from America after the war. There are no existing photographs of his other sisters Paula and Jolanke, nor of his parents Bela and Leni Schwarcz.
Eugene was born in Munkacs which in 1944 was part of Hungary. He and his family were deported to Auschwitz-Birkenau in May 1944. Eugene was the sole survivor. After liberation, he came to Britain where he married Annie, had four children and two grandchildren. He lives in Leeds.
The Lost Faces Exhibition
Lost Faces is just one of a programme of events, exhibitions and films organised by 6 million+ Charitable Trust in partnership with the University of Huddersfield and supported by Kirklees Council. Writer Adam Strickson will be leading a writing workshop on 13 January, between 7pm and 9pm, based on the exhibition. Booking is essential.
Lost Faces Exhibition opening times:
Weekdays 9am-7pm
Weekend 9am-5pm
NB. the exhibition will not be open on 3rd/4th February
Further details can be obtained from the Charity’s website at http://www.6millionplus.org/dont-stand-by-hmd-2016/.
