Drawing on genocide

After the Second World War, representatives of the Allied powers developed an international legal definition of genocide. It precisely defines the necessary state of mind, genocidal acts and modes of agency or commission, determining which experiences are recognised and which harms are made visible. However, this abstract and clinical definition and its application do not convey the complexities of genocide. This potentially leads to inadequate responses that call the justice system into question. Artistic representations such as Jean-Philippe Strassen’s graphic novel Deogratias: A Tale of Rwanda approach genocide in a more nuanced way. They communicate what cannot be communicated in criminal law and retributive justice processes. This way, they challenge the victim–perpetrator dichotomy, the lack of concern for offenders, the focus on violent acts rather than their consequences, and time limits for investigation and prosecution. In doing so, artistic representations can contribute to more appropriate responses to genocide and post-conflict reconciliation.