Visual AIDS: A Gallery of Art by HIV-Positive African Americans

by Bonnie Goldman

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WE PAY TRIBUTE HERE to the African-American members of Visual AIDS: HIV-positive men and women who have incorporated their HIV status into their lives and employ its power to help them express themselves. The people we feature here are remarkable and courageous. Although the number of African Americans living with HIV/AIDS has increased dramatically -- in 2005 African Americans accounted for an astonishing 47% of all HIV/AIDS cases diagnosed in the U.S.-- there are too few who defy the stigma and speak out or share their experience of life with HIV.

Since its inception in 1988, Visual AIDS has become the largest organization supporting, archiving and exhibiting HIV-positive artists in the United States. They organize and sponsor a wide variety of programs -- from exhibits and publications to the Speakers Bureau, a group of artists who visit schools, museums and other organizations to discuss their work and their HIV status.

The Body has featured a monthly Visual AIDS Web Gallery with online exhibits of art selected from the Visual AIDS Archive Project since 1999. The Archive Project preserves the works of artists both living and dead -- including the people featured on these pages. The Archive Project also provides its members with a wide range of support, including: free photo documentation of art work, artists' materials grants to low-income artists, emergency grants, free access to lawyers for estate planning, opportunities to exhibit work, quarterly newsletters, advice and advocacy.

If you are interested in purchasing any of these artists' works, or if you would like more information on Visual AIDS, call (212) 627-9855, or e-mail them.

All artists with HIV/AIDS are welcome to join the Visual AIDS Archive (estates may join on an artist's behalf).

All images are the property of the artist and may not be copied or reproduced without the express written permission of the artist and Visual AIDS.

Visual AIDS is funded through grants and through the support of people like you.