Holocaust Diary Entries Bring Photo Exhibit to Life at Brown University

PROVIDENCE – Located in the new Stephen Robert ’62 Hall on Brown University's campus, the “Looming in the Shadows of Lodz” photo exhibit invites the public to view a remarkable, poignant journey through the lens of photographer Leslie Starobin. Running from Feb. 15 to May 30, this exhibit showcases a curated collection of 20 photographs that delve into the haunting memories of the Holocaust, blending silent historic visuals with deafening narratives.

Leslie Starobin's work was inspired by a roots journey she made to Poland in 2019 with her husband and children, marking the 75th anniversary of their relatives' deportation to Auschwitz from the Lodz Ghetto – the last ghetto to be liquidated by the Nazis. Through her lens, Starobin captures the remnants of the Altman family’s past, including their residences, the cemetery where they hid and the Radegast train station where they were forced onto cattle cars bound for the death camp.

Upon entering the exhibit, visitors are greeted with an appropriately quiet and contemplative environment that suits the heavy subject matter. The exhibit is housed in an open space on the first floor of Stephen Robert ’62 Hall, where there are couches and tables for students to work at, yet these are not distracting. The curation is thoughtfully done, with each photograph spaced out on six different walls, allowing viewers to pace themselves and fully absorb the emotional weight of each piece.

One photograph that stood out is “Directly to the Ovens, Ruins of Crematorium 2 Auschwitz II – Birkenau, 2024.” This image captures the remains of a destroyed crematorium, demolished by the SS to erase evidence as the war was ending. Surrounding the photograph, like all others in the exhibit, are diary entries by the artist's mother-in-law, Tola, a Holocaust survivor.

This particular entry reads: “The Germans brought the transports directly to the ovens. Big, open trucks full of people. Totally nude. They saw us dressed and standing for work. They were screaming like jackals. – Tola.” The juxtaposition of the still image with the vivid, harrowing diary entry elicits profound emotion and a sense of movement, making it a jarring and impactful experience.

The photographs and diary entries work together to create a powerful “before-and-after” effect. The diary entries, paired with corresponding photos, help viewers imagine the gravity of the emotions and experiences of those who lived through these traumatic events. The artist's statement provides valuable context, explaining the “why” behind the exhibit and the chosen style.

Without the diary entries, the photographs might seem like historical images seen in books or online. However, the firsthand accounts of those who experienced these moments bring a depth of feeling and personal connection that is often missing in typical historical documentation. The exhibit also features a QR code linked to video testimony from the artist's husband's aunt, Dorka, adding another layer of personal narrative. This multimedia element allows visitors to hear the voices and stories behind the photographs, deepening their understanding and engagement.

Overall, the “Looming in the Shadows of Lodz” exhibit is a powerful and moving experience. Leslie Starobin's photographs transcend the ordinary, inviting viewers to pause and reflect on the beauty and tragedy of life's fleeting moments. The exhibit's thoughtful curation and engaging narrative make it a must-see for art enthusiasts and casual visitors alike. With its blend of technical mastery and emotional depth, “Looming in the Shadows of Lodz” leaves a lasting impression that lingers long after the gallery ends.

The exhibit, sponsored by Art at Watson, is held at the Stephen Robert ’62 Hall, located at 280 Brook Street. It runs from Feb. 13 to May 30, open all day to the public free of charge. Parking is available along Brook Street (free) as well as in a nearby parking garage (paid).

SHAINA WEINTRAUB of Providence is a freelance writer, photographer and podcaster.