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The collection of photos, entitled “Auschwitz KZI-II,” were taken by Orjan Henriksson, a professional photographer, lecturer, and teacher at Mullsjö Folkhögskola, University of Jönköping, and Missouri Southern State University.
“I was exhorted more than 40 years ago by my father to learn about the time before the Second World War,” Henriksson said. “This is to recognize the signs of the time, if they emerge again.”
The exhibit originally opened at Liljevalchs Konsthall in Stockholm and then toured to several museum and art galleries in Sweden before coming to MSSU’s Spiva Gallery as well as galleries across the U.S. It was awarded the Micael Bindefeld Foundation Prize, handed out by a member of the Swedish Royal Family, Prince Daniel.
Henriksson said the seemingly beautiful, black and white, tranquil photographs depict a brutal inhumanity that became the theme of his work. He took them during a week spent at the Auschwitz camp 1 and 2.
“My photographs want to portray the emptiness after all those humiliated, tortured and murdered in Auschwitz,” he said. “These are not ostentatious images that scream out loud. Instead, I let the walls and surfaces depict the total silence that only death leaves behind.”
The exhibit is free and open to the public whenever the Bicknell Center is open — typically Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Fridays from 8 a.m. until noon, and for special events.
Learn more about the Bicknell Center for the Arts.
