Holocaust tapestry goes on display at Dublin’s GPO

The el holocausto artwork was unveiled this week by Art for Human Rights in partnership with An Post and in association with Amnesty International Ireland, Holocaust Education Ireland, the Irish Network Against Racism (INAR), the Jewish Representative Council of Ireland and René Cassin.

The four-metre-wide and three-metre-tall tapestry was woven in Aubusson, France by Ateliers Pinton in 2019 and based on a fresco created by Mexican artist Manuel Rodríguez Lozano in Mexico City in 1944.

The artwork was specially commissioned by Bill Shipsey, founder of Art for Human Rights, who raised the money to pay for it.

Holocaust survivor Suzi Diamond unveiled the artwork in the GPO, where it will be on public display until August before being brought to other sites of memory and art around the world.

This is the third display of the tapestry following exhibition at UNESCO in Paris in 2020 and in Mexico City earlier this year.

David McRedmond, CEO of An Post, said: “We are so honoured to be hosting the magnificent Aubusson tapestry.

“At An Post, our purpose is to act for the common good and to improve the quality of life now and for generations to come.

“Hundreds of thousands of people of all ages, living in Ireland and visiting from abroad will have the opportunity to view and reflect upon the powerful symbolism of this outstanding artwork at the GPO over the Summer.”

Mr Shipsey said: “el holocausto is an exceptional mural that vividly captures the pain and tragedy of victims of human rights violations and war. This tapestry after the original mural is a timeless work much like Picasso’s Guernica.

“The ongoing calls for justice and dignity by and on behalf of victims of human rights violations and genocide are echoed in this extraordinary work of art.

“This is why it remains so important today. It is art in the light of conscience.”