Anne Frank Human Rights Memorial

1.      Describe what you see, including location context and physical space.

The AFHRM is located off of Capital and River, next to the Boise Library and Log Cabin, along the Green Belt in an open plot of land. When you approach the memorial there is a low wall running along the front of it and an information kiosk. Central of the memorial is a high wall with a window through which a bronze statue of Anne Frank, standing of a chair, hiding a book behind her, is positioned to be climbing through the window. In front of the statue are half-round rows of white marble benches.

Behind the statue is a set of stairs leading down to the Green Belt along which is several large plaques and a stone block. Around the statue are several displays of text and images addressing different aspects of human rights. To the far side of the statue is a waterfall and pond that falls between walls of quotes from public figures on related topics.    

2.      Describe the varying degrees of representation.

The memorial is very text heavy, numerous plaques surround the viewer. The text comes in printed form, posted on narrating sound boxes, cast bronze plaques, and engraved into stone slabs.

In addition to the text, there are a few visual elements in 2 and 3-D. The central statue is the window and figured described previously, then there are laser etched bronze images of different scenes related to human rights.

There is also a water feature with a waterfall and pond positioned below a wall of quotes and images.

As one walks through the memorial, the walkways are dotted with small boxes, complete with crank. Upon turning said crank, rather than a demonic clown, a recorded voice greets the visitor.

3.      What are visual elements/principles that dominate in the memorial?

The prominent elements are stone and bronze. These, combined with the messages of tolerance, respect and justice, give a sense of importance and endurance.  

4.      Is this memorial site-specific? Explain.

Yes, it is site-specific. The planning and construction of the memorial was designed to take advantage of the visitors of the nearby cultural centers (museums/library/public parks/etc.). The design was also meant to take advantage of the natural environment of the river, topography, and trees.

5.      Who created, designed and funded this memorial?

Kurt Karst design the layout of the memorial and was funded by donations. Greg Stone designed the Anne Frank statue that you have read so much about. This was sponsored by school fundraisers.

6.      How does the text/ word elements function?

The text elements function as educational, and thought provoking.

7.      Reflecting on your answers to the previous questions, what do you think was the intended meaning/function? Explain what is communicated.

At first glance the plaques, engravings, and literature seems overwhelming, but this may add to the purpose of the memorial, emphasizing the seemingly uberwhelming issue of human rights and the tragedies that have lead to the necessity of such a memorial. As the viewer moves around, among, and through the text elements, they begin to realize the diverse backgrounds of human rights champions, making the cause relatable to the Everyman.

 8.      In your opinion, how successful is this memorial? Explain.

I think the success of the memorial is ambiguous. When one thinks of Anne Frank, the connotation is very specific to her ordeals and trials, even though she suffered from violations of human rights, she is not commonly thought of as a human rights poster-child. Then there are the interactive aspects of the memorial, the audible features that give a more in depth understanding of the exhibits are not obvious as to what they are, and in some places their use is crucial, such as understanding what the purpose of the stone block at the bottom of the stairs is for.

The stairs lead to another issue, the lower level of the memorial isn’t obvious, unless you are curious, or taking the Green Belt, that whole area seems disconnected. And I didn’t understand the water feature.

When I visited the memorial, there was a school group on a fieldtrip there. I followed one of the smaller groups of students around and listened to one of the curators ask the students if they understood what a particular element of the memorial was expressing. Once a student answered, the curator answered something to the effect of “Well, that’s close enough, because you’re a civilian”. At that point I walked away before I was asked to leave after pointing out the irony of her statement under the circumstances.