Exhibited by Banksy in 2005 at a gallery in London, Camp is a poignant installation that offers a profound critique of the Holocaust’s horrors and the restoration of human dignity.

The artwork is based on an excerpt from the diary of Lieutenant Colonel Mervin Willett Gonin DSO, one of the first British soldiers to liberate Bergen-Belsen in 1945. The excerpt describes the camp’s horrific conditions and the impact of a shipment of lipstick in restoring humanity to the prisoners.

Banksy visualizes this excerpt by intervening with red lipstick on a photograph of concentration camp prisoners.

Camp invites viewers to bear witness to one of history’s darkest periods and reflect on human resilience, while showcasing Banksy’s sensitivity to societal tragedies and the power of art.

In the piece, emaciated and weary prisoners in striped uniforms are seen lined up behind barbed wire. By painting each prisoner’s lips red, Banksy illustrates their transformation from being mere “tattooed numbers” to reclaiming their individuality and humanity. The red color creates a stark contrast with the bleak, black-and-white atmosphere of the artwork, enhancing its emotional impact.

Bergen-Belsen concentration camp was liberated by British soldiers in 1945, bearing witness to some of the Holocaust’s most horrific scenes. Lieutenant Colonel Mervin Willett Gonin’s diary vividly documents the conditions and human tragedy immediately following the liberation.

By presenting this excerpt in 2005, Banksy reminds the modern audience of the Holocaust’s historical significance and the fragility of human dignity.