Laube Writes First American Review of Juergen Teller’s "Auschwitz Birkenau"

Georgina Laube (HAA 2020) writes the first American review of Jürgen Teller’s "Auschwitz Birkenau," published by Steidl in collaboration with the International Auschwitz Committee, for Andrea Blanch's Musée Magazine. The review dives into the significance of the recently released book and examines Teller’s unflinching images that capture one of history’s most painful places, whilst emphasizing the need to make history more accessible for a younger generation. Laube’s review draws attention to the ethical and cultural questions raised by Teller’s images and the importance of preserving the memory of atrocities like the Holocaust. She underscores how Teller's "Auschwitz Birkenau" serves as an educational tool for younger audiences, who may be distanced from the firsthand accounts of the Holocaust. With Holocaust survivors aging and fewer personal testimonies available, it is crucial to find new ways to engage younger generations with this history. Teller’s work, she argues, is not just for historians but also for a new generation that must learn the difficult lessons of the past through more modern, visually-driven means.
 
The review was photo edited by Joel Dubroc, and the materials were supported by the Steidl Verlag.