Art does not always have to portray things that make us happy. Art can also make us think, and make us remember. The depiction of dark times - such as the holocaust - serves to remind us the darkness is always waiting... We must remain vigilant.

You have done a masterful job with this, Jock. The clouds and somber atmosphere communicate perfectly the hopelessness millions of innocent victims must have felt.

a terrible time in world history. you captured the essence

Another ace painting, jock.

I think you captured the feeling and mood very well. The cold sky, the loneliness of the single train car, and the absence of any persons in the scene accents the loss that occurred. You did good.

When I see art telling us a truth, that is the highest form of art. This one is as clear as day when it tells us to never forget. Never forget what evil will do when granted absolute power by the apathetic masses. It will happen anywhere when people refuse to see and people refuse to act out. No matter what your country, be vigilant and hold your leaders accountable. Never say your voice does not matter. Thank you for having the courage to tell the truth Jocko. Fine art from a fine man.

What a haunting picture. Beautiful work.

Superbly painted.

Very horrific period and events are in the memories for this camp... But your painting work is superb with the dark atmo, and I think like Rods that it is necessary to show and recall this dark period, especially for younger people.

Beautiful painting

It's a fabulous painting my friend and you have a fantastic talent !!!

Jock, I am really touched that you thought of me with this painting, and that you went to the trouble of finding 3 of my pieces on the victims and heroes of war...and you went to the trouble of finding and sharing the links. Thank you, I am deeply moved that you thought of me in this way. You're one of the greatest artists here, and you know my love for your work; and I'm honored you'd associate me with one of them, esp one as piercing as this. I can understand that some of your friends where shocked when you told them this was of Auschwitz-Birkenau. I'm sure no one expects that...It could have just been an abandoned rail car. But it isn't. You painted the darkness so well, the sky shows the terror and deep night of that place, and places like it. I studied this period for a long time, and your painting speaks of it from the center of your heart. And, with the terror we just heard about, in Paris (last night, as of this writing), as well as all the other terrible acts that are taking place each day, this image has deep meaning. You made the whole universe cry out the darkness of this place, like a requiem; it's in your sky and the fiery darkness and its 'waves'. And that lone orange car stands out so painfully. Your orange is amazing, also a cry. I was privileged to know people who came from these camps, and to know some who came from other horrifying places like the Gulags, the massacres in Kosovo, Rwanda, and so on. An image like this speaks for all of them, it's a lamentation for all who were hurt and lost ('how solitary doth the city sit that once was full of people...'). It also makes me remember that all your art---which you know I love---is a constant antidote to these horrors, by the love you put into them, and by the passion and love you find in every one of your subjects. You really show deep love for your subjects. And your reminding us of the denial of these events is deeply needed...Thank you for thinking of 'me' with this, and for posting the painting, period. Because, for all this painting's darkness, it has true love inside...in the love and care you put into it, and how you make darkness cry and movingly sing. My deepest thanks for all you do, and all you share with us.

Superb portrail of a dark time in history Jock.

The painting captures what the mood at that time must have been. Great work Jocko. xxx

great memento

a sticking painting and an action of the past that should always be ingrained in our minds

Very well done!!!!!!!!!

Terribly well done!!!

I've read stories about the railcars. The things that happened during that time, the people who died, need to be remembered, not denied. This is a superb painting. There's nothing wrong with telling the truth, even if it's uncomfortable.

(We're in Houston, and will leave Monday morning, headed your way. I think we'll be in L.C. Monday afternoon. Stopping at the Stark on the way home, probably on Saturday the 22nd.)

What anahata.c said. A very poignant comment.

Moving image Jock and the sky looks extra threatening and it seems just what Anahata wanted, so BRAVO !

~Cheers~

What a haunting painting Jock, but it's very well done!

Just the name "Auschwitz" I get goose bumps. The railway, which is on this infamous route, symbolizes the loneliness of those who died on their own in this camp ... Fabulous drawn!

Chilling subject ,well painted

Fantastic work!!

A fantastic painting. Sorry about the death camp mishap...

You did again a marvellous job on this train wagon, and I immediately recognized what it was. You know I've seen many films about what really happened there, also many autobiographic books I've read about this. A pity that since about 14 years my face hurts me so much, that I can't read a book; therefore I couldn't read the writing of Mark. But I sure know, Mark is very honoured by your very special gift.

There is an old wagon like this in Gare of Compiegne for evidence of the horror.

I had to look twice. First I thought it was a French 40-8 car from the Gratitude train. I see, now, that this depicts a car with a much sadder cargo. It's one of those pictures that I can look at and get lost in it now knowing what it is. I ask, How could this have happened? Then I remember 9/11, 3/11, 7/7 and now 9/13. If those events could happen, this can happen again. Where will this unhappy freight car end its journey?

You did an excellent job here Jocko, a precious painting of things/places and situations of the past. So ominous and easily recognizable and because of it ... your paintings are memorable. Mark (anahata.c) was in awe, to put it in one word !

What can I say, that hasn't already been said and so many times reiterated, also in movies and written in many books, never to be forgotten - but will politicians and the greedy ever learn ? the short answer is: NO, sadly enough it will go on and on in the history of our World forever, just like the story of Cain & Abel ...

Cheers BB