The Crematoria 1987

Curator: Murray Zimiles's print, "The Crematoria," is a stark image rendered in monochrome, currently residing at the Harvard Art Museums and spanning approximately 22 by 30 inches. Editor: My initial reaction is one of stark dread. The high contrast exaggerates the scene's horror. Curator: Agreed. The heavy use of black ink and broad strokes emphasizes the physicality of the scene, the brutal labor involved in the Holocaust. The striped clothing also points towards the systematic persecution and dehumanization of labor camp prisoners. Editor: Absolutely, and the composition itself creates a sense of unease. The angles are skewed, and the figures are distorted, furthering the sense of chaos. The two bodies—one awaiting cremation, the other already on the floor—create a visual representation of the assembly line of death. Curator: By focusing on the brutal materiality of the crematoria, Zimiles forces us to confront the horrifying reality of industrialised genocide. The production of death, here, is laid bare. Editor: It makes for a difficult, but important experience to consider. I appreciate the artist’s commitment to depicting such a heavy subject with such unflinching candor.