Visages of Memory: Reception with Laszlo Selly - Miami Beach Culture Crawl

World War II at 80

Join us for a conversation with photographer and Holocaust survivor Laszlo Selly about the exhibit. Selly captured the faces of fellow survivors who witnessed to the atrocities of the Third Reich. Learn about Selly's life and work, and the collective responsibility to the past. This exhibition is made possible with the support of the University of Miami, Miami Beach JCC, and the Holocaust Memorial. For more information, contact the branch at (305) 535-4219 or capleyb@mdpls.org. Ages 18 yrs.+

About the Exhibit:

Visages of Memory is an exhibit of photographs of Holocaust survivors by Laszlo Selly, allowing viewers to witness the impact of the Holocaust so that we will not forget the atrocities of the Third Reich. The photographs illustrate resilient, strong, and courageous human beings who were able resist the Nazi regime. The Holocaust survivors tell their story, and we commemorate their strength, fortitude, and tenacity. We remember why we must keep fighting against all forms of hatred, racism, bigotry, and fascism.

Photographer Laszlo Selly, a Holocaust survivor himself, captured the visages of fellow survivors as seen through his unique lens of solidarity and understanding. Each portrait is accompanied by a short account of the survivor’s personal and inspiring story written by Bobbi Kaufman.

Selly worked in collaboration with his colleague Bobbie Kaufman, who interviewed the survivors and wrote the biographies that accompany the photographs. The photographs include survivors from Austria, Czechoslovakia, Germany, Hungary, Poland, Romania, and the Soviet Union. Each photograph represents a terrifying story of survival and escape from the Nazis and their eventual migration to the United States.

About the Photographer:

Laszlo Selly and his twin brother were born in Budapest, Hungary, on December 31, 1937, into a middle-class, secular Jewish family. When Laszlo was six years old, he remembered his mother sewing a yellow star onto his outer garments. Desperate to keep their twins safe, Laszlo’s parents made the difficult decision to send them into hiding. This plan led to danger, and they returned to their parents. Laszlo’s father obtained a Raoul Wallenberg certificate of protection that allowed the family to move to a safe house.

After liberation by the Soviets, Laszlo and his twin brother completed their education in Hungary under intense Communist indoctrination. The brothers escaped from Hungary during the 1956 Revolution and made their way to New York where Laszlo became a successful photographer. Today, he lives with his wife Gail in South Florida and regularly shares his story with students at the Holocaust Memorial Miami Beach.

About the Series:

The year 2025 marks the eightieth anniversary of the end of the Second World War, a pivotal historical moment that continues to resonate profoundly in our global landscape. The Miami-Dade Public Library System proudly presents World War II at 80 - a year-long series honoring historical milestones. Enlightening panel discussions and presentations, thought-provoking exhibits and book clubs, along with other insightful events are planned throughout the year. Discover Miami's role in this informative chapter of history and its ongoing relevance today.

Visit https://mdpls.org/WWII to learn more and see the schedule of events. 

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