Mahnmal gegen Krieg und Faschismus is a monument by Alfred Hrdlicka for the victims of the Second World War and the Nazi regime in Austria (1938-45). Unveiled in 1988, this memorial is located in the Albertinaplatz, near the Albertina Museum. It serves as a poignant reminder of the atrocities committed during World War II and the Holocaust, as well as a tribute to the victims of fascism and war.
Hrdlicka was an Austrian sculptor, draughtsman, painter and artist. He was originally a dental technician student from 1943 to 1945, he studied painting until 1952 at the Akademie der bildenden Künste under Albert Paris Gütersloh and Josef Dobrowsky. Afterwards he studied sculpture until 1957 under Fritz Wotruba. In 1960 he had his first exhibition in Vienna; in 1964 he attained international recognition as a representative of Austria in the architecture Biennale in Venice, Italy. He died recently, on 5 December 2009 due to a prolonged illness at age 81.
Commission and Creation:
The memorial was commissioned by the City of Vienna as part of efforts to confront Austria’s involvement in World War II and the Holocaust. Alfred Hrdlicka, known for his powerful and often provocative works, was selected to design the monument.
Design and Elements:
The memorial consists of several distinct parts, each with symbolic significance.
The split white monument, The Gates of Violence, remembers victims of all wars and violence, including the 1938–1945 Nazi rule of Austria. Standing directly in front of it, you’re at the gates of a concentration camp…step into a montage of wartime images: soldiers, blood, slave laborers, bombings and ruins everywhere.
The hunched-over figure on the ground behind is a representation of Jews during the era. Again:
Gates of Violence: Represents the brutalities of war and the concentration camps.
Street-washing Jew: A sculpture depicting a Jewish man forced to scrub anti-Nazi graffiti off the streets, highlighting the humiliation and persecution of Jews.
Orpheus Fountain: Symbolizes the resilience of the human spirit and hope for the future.
Split Angel: Represents the destruction and suffering caused by war and fascism.
Inauguration:
The memorial was inaugurated on November 24, 1988, amid both support and controversy. Some Austrians found the confrontational nature of the monument disturbing, while others appreciated its stark reminder of the past.
Purpose and Impact:
The Mahnmal gegen Krieg und Faschismus aims to ensure that the horrors of war and the crimes of fascism are not forgotten. It serves as a place for reflection, education, and remembrance, encouraging viewers to confront difficult historical truths and promote a commitment to peace and human rights.
Controversy and Criticism:
Over the years, the memorial has sparked debate due to its raw and unflinching portrayal of historical events. Some critics argue that it is too graphic, while others believe it is essential for confronting Austria’s past.
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