Dana Mashoian Walrath explores global history through The Book of Genocides
Artist and anthropologist Dana Mashoian Walrath has released a new graphic novel that examines ten historical instances of genocide through an experimental, interactive format. The work combines memoir, anthropology, and visual art to bridge the gap between historical data and human empathy.
The book features ten case studies ranging from the Holocaust and the Armenian genocide to the experiences of Palestinians and the Rohingya. Walrath utilized an interactive design that encourages readers to cut pages to create three-part figures as they engage with the heavy subject matter. The author drew upon her own family history and extensive travel to various sites of mass violence to inform the narrative. By using the graphic novel medium, she aims to move beyond passive observation to foster a deeper, more active connection with these traumatic histories.
