Re: [Archport] Should Auschwitz be left to decay?

[Graca Cravinho <fcsilva@ptmat.fc.ul.pt>]

Title: Re: [Archport] Should Auschwitz be left to decay?

Caro Sérgio:

Tem razão quanto ao "progrom". Às vezes, de tanto detestarmos certas pessoas,  acabamos por "entranhar" os seus defeitos...

Quanto à sua apreciação sobre o monumento, ela é sua... Nem eu me sinto apta a interpretá-lo... O meu Mestrado em História da Arte (feito, ainda, com dois anos curriculares e a defesa de uma Tese e não com uma equivalência a qualquer "tesina" feita em Espanha, dada num gabinete e não segundo os trâmites legais) incidiu sobre a Antiguidade Clássica...

Permita-me, porém, que lhe transmita a interpretação de uma Professora e historiadora de Arte israelita, a quem enviei a foto que anexo.

"The semi-ball with the Star of David "looking" upwards (a symbol which in the 15th cent. was not yet a Jewish symbol but by now obviously very much so) is very imposing and correct.

This memorial monument gives one the feeling that its designer wanted to convey by it soundness, stone & volume:

that the Jews are connected to the world (to this universe of us) and the world to them (as well as to whole of humanity);

that the way of the world goes round & round (as do bitter & good events) but that sometimes certain events cut, bruise the normal way things go (the cutting of the ball with the rough surface Star of David) & then all involved directly or indirectly (victims as well as prosecutors) - are bruised; 

that a certain event cut into the completeness and wholeness of the world (the place tc.) but even with such horrid events, we look forward to the word (the wall) - to the message of continuity and learning from the past, that we (all human beings) stand fast as a strong wall its  message of tolerance (to all people be their language, words, script as they be);

that there is much connection between roundness of various beliefs (with the Jewish belief which cuts by its star the world but is also in its middle) and more.
The wall behind enhances & completes the message with its carefully thought out words in many scripts and gives not only the location - Lisboa & Portugal itself the stability it deserves, but also as stated, a clear message of strength, tolerance and acceptance of the past, but especially of the now & the future, & also puts Lisboa at the center of events - be they of the past or of now and the future - by proclaiming that people should look the past in the face & learn from it, not only on location, but also everywhere else in the world.

I could go on & on, because I think this monument is so right & well perceived. All "Lisboans" (and Portuguese) should be proud of it."

Cumprimentos,

Graça Cravinho

 

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