Unveiling of Aubusson Tapestry in the GPO
Dublin, Ireland: Art for Human Rights, in collaboration with An Post and in affiliation with Amnesty International Ireland, Holocaust Education Ireland, INRA (the Irish Network against Racism), The Irish Refugee Council, The Jewish Representative Council of Ireland, and Rene Cassin (The Jewish Voice for Human Rights), has unveiled a significant Aubusson tapestry in the public post office hall of Dublin's GPO. The tapestry serves as a commemoration to the victims of the Holocaust and also as an artistic statement against the lack of accountability for genocide and all manifestations of racism.
The impressive tapestry, titled 'el holocausto', measuring 4m x 3m, was specifically commissioned for this purpose. It was intricately woven in Aubusson, France by Ateliers Pinton in 2019, inspired by a fresco created by Mexican artist Manuel Rodriguez Lozano in Mexico City back in 1944. The unveiling ceremony took place on the evening of June 6th at the GPO, where Holocaust survivor Suzi Diamond and member of the Roma community in Ireland Monika Pazskowska had the honor of unveiling it. This monumental tapestry will be publicly displayed at the GPO until August of this year, after which it will embark on a global journey, visiting various significant locations dedicated to memory and art. This marks the third exhibition of the tapestry, following its display at UNESCO in Paris in 2020 and in Mexico City earlier this year.
Welcoming the Tapestry to the General Post Office, David McRedmond, CEO of An Post, expressed his deep appreciation: "We are truly honored to have the magnificent Aubusson Tapestry displayed here. At An Post, our mission is to act for the greater good and enhance the quality of life for current and future generations. The GPO will provide an opportunity for hundreds of thousands of individuals, both residents of Ireland and international visitors, to witness and contemplate the powerful symbolism conveyed by this remarkable artwork throughout the summer."
Thomas O'Dowd, Chairperson of Holocaust Education Ireland, emphasized the importance of learning from the past, saying, "Holocaust Education Ireland's mission is to educate and raise awareness about the Holocaust, combatting anti-Semitism and all forms of racism and discrimination. The 'el holocausto' tapestry, as a symbolic project, prompts young people worldwide to draw lessons from history that remain relevant today."
The tapestry is open to public viewing from Monday to Friday from 8.30am - 6pm and on Saturday from 9am- 6pm.
