Description
Book SynopsisEarly in the 1980s AIDS epidemic, six gay activists created one of the most iconic and lasting images that would come to symbolize a movement: a protest poster of a pink triangle with the words Silence = Death. The graphic and the slogan still resonate today, often usedand misusedto brand the entire movement. Cofounder of the collective Silence = Death and member of the art collective Gran Fury, Avram Finkelstein tells the story of how his work and otherprotest artwork associated with the early years of the pandemic were created. In writing about art and AIDS activism, the formation of collectives, and the political process, Finkelstein reveals a different side of the traditional HIV/AIDS history, told twenty-five years later, and offers a creative toolbox for those who want to learn how to save lives through activism and making art.
Trade Review"Finkelstein's life of activism and creativity is hugely impressive, and this book is a perfect reflection of that. It is emotionally and intellectually engaging at once, never losing sight of the political history the author is recounting." * Gay and Lesbian Review *
"While there is no equation for writing history, this generous and generative book will inspire artists, activists, and historians to do the math themselves." * Critical Inquiry *
"Finkelstein makes sure to emphasise the partiality of his story, while offering an admirably detailed and carefully drawn picture of the many affinities that made his story to stick out." * Gesnerus *
Table of ContentsList of Illustrations
Preface
Acknowledgments
Author’s Note
Introduction: AIDS 2.0
PART I. SILENCE = DEATH
1. The Immigrant
2. The Political Poster
3. War
PART II. GRAN FURY
4. Read My Lips
5. Kissing Doesn’t Kill
6. Art Is Not Enough
PART III. AFFINITY
7. Men: Use Condoms or Beat It
8. Women Don’t Get AIDS, They Just Die from It
9. The Four Questions, Part 1: The Viral Divide
10. The Four Questions, Part 2: Intergenerationality
Epilogue: Notstalgia
Index
