Continuing my collaboration with Rushcliffe School, last week I photographed the unveiling of their ‘Hands for Peace’ art project by Holocaust survivor Simon Winston.
Year 12 students, including and head girl Chloe Worts, visited Auschwitz in 2013 and were inspired to create a memorial to raise awareness amongst pupils. Covering almost an entire wall in the school hall, the artwork was inspired by Piet Mondrian who used primary colours and geometric lines in his painting. Developing this concept, handprints bearing the names of Auschwitz prisoners are contained within the linear structure to represent the barracks.
Officially unveiled in front of a Year 11 audience there was a lot of media interest in the story, with Radio Nottingham and East Midlands today in attendance. Chloe gave a moving address about their trip last year, before Simon talked about the lessons Auschwitz can teach us regarding the dangers of racism and discrimination in modern society.
For more information and examples of Piet Mondrian’s artwork please visit Artsy’s Piet Mondrian page.
6th form students from Rushcliffe School preparing for a BBC Nottingham radio interview on their trip to Auschwitz and ‘Hands for Peace’ art project.
6th form students from Rushcliffe School being interview live on BBC Radio Nottingham regarding their trip to Auschwitz and ‘Hands for Peace’ art project.
Head Girl Chloe Worts addresses Year 11 talking about her experience visiting the Nazi Concentration Camp Auschwitz in 2013.
Head Girl Chloe Worts addresses Year 11 talking about her experience visiting the Nazi Concentration Camp Auschwitz in 2013.
Simon Winston, a Holocaust survivor, talks about his work with the Holocaust Memorial Day Trust.
The ‘Hands for Peace’ art project was inspired by the paintings of Piet Mondrian and covers almost an entire wall of the Rushcliffe School hall.
Simon Winston talking about his experiences as a Jew in the Ukraine during the Second World War on BBC East Midlands Today.
Simon’s own contribution to Rushcliffe’s ‘Hands for Peace’ art project.