Critical Writing Index

Acting Up: Independent Video and the AIDS crisis

by Alexis Danzig

Afterimage, May 1989, v. 16, no. 10, pp. 5-7

Alexis Danzig writes of her work with Act Up (the AIDS Coalition to Unleash Power), a "diverse, nonpartisan group of individuals united in anger and committed to direct action to end the AIDS crisis", in response to a bigoted apathy and ignorance that feeds the AIDS crisis. In particular, Danzig discusses the response in the art community towards misinformation and dehumanization or exploitation in the representations of PWA (people with AIDS) by government and health organizations, focussing on five exhibitions or projects in particular. Much of this work make then an attempt to educate (or re-reducate) the public regarding the implications and risks when it comes to AIDS, but also the societal impact of negativity and ignorance towards PWA and activists.

ITEM 1989.117 – available for viewing in the Research Centre

Videos, Artworks and Artists Cited

Testing the LimitsTesting the Limits Collective

Testing the LimitsGregg Bordowitz

Testing the LimitsJean Carlomusto

Testing the LimitsSandra Elgear

Testing the LimitsRobin Hutt

Testing the LimitsHilery Joy Kipnis

Testing the LimitsDavid Meieran

Ojos que no ven (eyes that fail to see)Jose Gutierrez

PWA PowerGregg Bordowitz

PWA PowerJean Carlomusto

Doctors, Liars and WomenJean Carlomusto

Doctors, Liars and WomenMaria Maggenti