HIV/AIDS was first discovered approximately 30 years ago, and since then artists have spread consciousness of the disease in a million different ways. The Museum of Design in Atlanta is having a special exhibit showing from now throughout January. From October 2nd to January 1st, you can see illustrative history of AIDS/HIV posters dating from up to 25 years ago.
The exhibit is called a “Graphic Intervention: 25 Years of International AIDS Posters”. Featuring artwork from around the world, they represent issues such as world health, the importance of sexual education, and much, much more.
If you’re in the area, take some time and check it out! And if you’re not, this is a traveling collection, so you can see where and when they’ll be on their website.
The museum is also putting together a “memorial quilt”, a patchwork of panels sewn together in remembrance of those lost to the disease. There are over 40,000 panels currently making up the quilt, and different chosen blocks will be on display at the exhibit each month.
Also, check out this recent article by David Byrne and Tracy Baim: AIDS @ 30: Songs for Those We Lost.
In it, they talk about the last 30 years of music created in relevance to HIV and/or AIDS. The virus had a serious impact on the artistic community, and throughout the years musicians have made powerful songs in order to remember loved ones or to raise awareness. Some are compellingly sorrowful, while others are upbeat and lively in commemoration.
Even if you weren’t quite aware of the reasons behind the songs, I’m sure you’ve heard some of them. From Madonna to Elton John to George Michael to Janet Jackson, there’s a song that anyone can relate to.
To see a compiled list of some famous songs addressing the AIDS epidemic, check out the Queer Music Heritage site.
