Gevelsberg (memorial)

Historical background

(Gypsy context)

37 local Roma were deported from Gevelsberg on March 11, 1943. In memory of this event, as well as to commemorate other victims of Nazism – the Anti-Fascist Association Gevelsberg decided to erect a monument. According to the design by Ulle Hees, a sculptor from Wuppertal, it was supposed to be a bronze sculpture, but insufficient funds prevented the plan from implementation. That is why a structure made of steel was created instead.

In our opinion – this is one of the most outstanding memorials dedicated to Samudaripen in the world.

Description of commemoration

Only rarely can we find a memorial that is so rich in symbolism and unusual both stylistically and conceptually. In addition, its vicinity and the context in which the memorial is placed seem to strengthen this symbolism.

The structure is made of steel, which probably (at least in places) was covered with a layer of black paint. Currently most parts of the memorial have no paint. Due to the influence of weather conditions or human action (scratches, inscriptions or rather attempts to scrape out some signs or inscriptions), in many places we can see rust.

Conceptually, the monument features various signs symbolising the fate of individual groups of victims of Nazism, who are listed on a bronze plaque placed between the cobblestones near the memorial. The whole monument resembles a folded piece of paper with a plaque embedded at the height of the ridge.

The symbols are carved or cut into a sheet of metal, some of them form a kind of cut-out stickers, with the cut-out elements welded to the holes but not covering them completely

The birds at the top are a symbol of freedom, even through death. Below them, there are four symbolic faces (four groups of victims: Jews – or, as the creator of the memorial refers to them, ”People of the Jewish denomination”; the Roma, those politically persecuted, and, finally, forced labourers). Even below the faces, but still on the outside of the “folded page”, on the left, we can see: a menorah, a crowd of deported people, prison bars – or perhaps a crematorium door, and the dead.

The interior side of the “book” features the following symbols: on the left, there are symbols worn by prisoners: the star of David and inverted triangles. The third triangle from the top is black – which stands for “anti-social” prisoners, including Gypsies. On the right you can see political opponents who are depicted as men carrying flags. Behind them there is the setting sun.

The construction of the memorial is very well thought-out. The symbols that were carved on one side are connected through the narration with the symbols on the other side. For example, on the bars, which we can see on the “cover” of the book, rests a hand which is inside the book. The way it is presented may denote both a prisoner’s hand or someone saying “stop!” – maybe it is a soldier’s hand who tries to stop a prisoner, or perhaps it is a hand that belongs to a contemporary person who says – “never again!”

On the right side of the outer “page” – an eye, a mouth and an ear were carved at the face level. It may be an indication towards the association with three wise Buddhist monkeys that cannot see, hear or speak evil.

Below, there are figures of Gypsies cut out in steel – a family: a man, several women (mother, grandmother, wife) and many children. Next to them, we can see a single wheel of a wagon, below there are the bars – they look quite casual – “temporary”. Below the bars there is a hand which was lowered, as if limp, as if the broken guitar engraved below has fallen out of it and fell into the flames.

The flames, like the skulls, are cutting through across the thick steel sheet and permeate other stories.

The Gypsy family is placed above the hole-window through which we can see the real world, not the symbolic one. The world in which they once lived. And through this window the artist’s symbols penetrate to reach our year and this place. To our here and now.

The Town Hall Square, where the monument is located, is also a school square, a place for evening meetings of local youth. There is a ramp for rollerblading close by. And through the window in the monument we can see those young people.

Inscriptions

In German:

ERINNERUNG UND WACHSAMKEIT // Erinnerung an die / während des Nationalsozialismus / ermordeten, vertriebenen und erniedrigten / Menschen dieser Stadt / – Menschen jüdischen Glaubens, Roma, / politisch Verfolgte und Zwangsarbeiter –/ Mahnung zu Wachsamkeit in / Gegenwart und Zukunft / von Ulle Hees 2004.

Translation:

Reminder and memory.

In memory of the inhabitants of this city murdered, displaced and humiliated in the era of National Socialism: People of the Jewish denomination, the Roma, those politically persecuted and forced labourers. It is a reminder that we need to be vigilant and to remember – now and in the future.