Awkward Objects: Expanding the Boundaries of the Holocaust Archive

This special issue challenges the boundaries of Holocaust representation by advocating for the inclusion of 'awkward objects'—vernacular art, hand-drawn maps, graffiti, and other non-traditional testimonies—that have been marginalized or dismissed as unreliable. These objects, often overlooked due to their informal or ambiguous nature, offer critical insights into the Holocaust's social, emotional, and historical complexities. The research employs interdisciplinary approaches, drawing from cultural studies, anthropology, and art history, to re-evaluate these materials' evidentiary value. By doing so, it aims to democratize Holocaust knowledge, exposing epistemic injustices and fostering a more pluralistic understanding of genocide memory.

Lehrer, E., Sendyka, R., & Waligórska, M. (2025). Awkward Objects: Expanding the Boundaries of the Holocaust Archive. Holocaust and Genocide Studies, 39(2), 131–136. https://doi.org/10.1093/hgs/dcaf023