Auschwitz 65 Years Later

 

• Consider the use of vectors, line, contrast, composition, colour, and perspective (there are more techniques)
• How can the visual elements in the photo evoke empathy and reverence from a viewer?
• How is Auschwitz represented in this photo?
• Find another photo of Auschwitz that you feel has an important representation of this place that caused so much pain and destruction. Analyse the use of visual techniques which make it particularly engaging. How does it represent this location?

1) The vectors created by the barbed wire fence leading to the distance (the tower) which leads to the focal point which represents great oppression and lack of freedom
The contrast of the building on the right and the area on the left separated by the fence represents the idea of freedom and slavery. This picture also represents how little can quickly destroy all freedom.
Also the use of lines in this picture represents the discipline and formality of this center. These lines give the idea to the viewer that this center was made exactly for the reason for a prison and for death.  

2) the visual techniques used in this picture provoke empathy becuase we see how horrible it looks at this camp so we feel sympathy and compassion for the people who were forced to live, work and die in these places

3) In this Photo Auschwitz is represented as a kind of hell, due to the dull colors and the perspective we are give of the barbed wire fence and the watch tower in the distance it becomes clear to us that this place is only used for one reason being a prison. 



This second photo of Auschwitz we are given a similar feel of the first picture in the sense that this is not a very nice place. The vectors created by the railroad tracks that lead straight through the entrance gives us the sense that there is no escaping this place. When I look at this I get the feeling that the people who would of been taken here would of been terrified but in the end their fate would've been inevitable.   
The use of perspective gives us another sense of the formality and militarization of this place. We are given a low angle shot of this place and we get the feeling that the camp is looming above us which destroys all hope and gives us a sense of intimidation.  
The use of black and white photography also add to the effect on familiarization to the audience. We get a sense of difference in time which separates us from this period in history which makes us that we have nothing in common with the picture.