Visual AIDS is an organization founded in 1988 with a goal to fight AIDS by inspiring conversations and supporting HIV+ artists. Their work includes the Artist+ Registry and Archive Project, which is the largest database of works by artists with HIV/AIDS. These resources are meant to educate on art activism and the lasting impact of HIV+ artists. Find out more about the organization here: https://visualaids.org/about-us. For Day With(out) Art this year, Visual AIDS compiled Red Reminds Me, a series of videos detailing the connection between the color red and AIDS as well as the emotional experience of living with HIV: https://visualaids.org/blog/day-without-art-2024-red-reminds-me.
Visual AIDS organized the first Day With(out) Art on December 1, 1989. The international, annual event highlights the impact of HIV/AIDS. Learn more about Day With(out) Art at these resources:
- Visual AIDS Day With(out) Art Explanation: https://visualaids.org/projects/day-without-art
- The Smithsonian History of Day With(out) Art: https://siarchives.si.edu/blog/day-without-art%E2%80%9D-brief-history-smithsonian
- Museum of Modern Art Day With(out) Art Video: https://www.moma.org/magazine/articles/203
A local organization working with HIV/AIDS is RAIN Carolina based in Charlotte. Their mission is to make an impact on the lives of those living with HIV. RAIN helps individuals access medical care and medications, offers assistance with rent and food, and assists with personal well-being. The organization also aims to reduce the stigma surrounding HIV, educate on prevention strategies, and inspire change. RAIN provides HIV/STI testing opportunities throughout the Charlotte area. Davidson College’s Warner Hall Eating House fundraises for RAIN Carolina. For more information visit this link: https://carolinarain.org/.
The gallery collection includes works related to HIV/AIDS: Shan Kelley is an HIV+ artist who uses his artwork as an outlet for anger and advocacy. His mixed media art speaks out against stigma. Kelley’s Disclosure series visualizes conversations and thoughts about living with HIV. The series is layered parchment perforated with a needle, as a reference to medication, transmission, and health. Robert Sherer is a multimedia artist known for using HIV+ blood on paper. His work explores race, gender, and sexuality. Carl Tandatnick is an artist and physician who focuses on AIDS-based issues. In 1994 and 1995, Tandatnick created a video installation for Day With(out) Art, shown in Times Square. Tandatnick’s AIDS Pyramid shows the AIDS virus and magnified blood cells, exhibiting the intersection between art and science.
Davidson College Professor of Biology Dr. Dave Wessner published an article titled, “On This World AIDS Day, Experts Worry That Recent Gains May Be Lost.” The article details recent advances in treatment, the possibility of ending the HIV epidemic, stigma, and discrimination. Read the full article at this link: https://www.forbes.com/sites/davewessner/2024/12/01/on-this-world-aids-day-experts-worry-that-recent-gains-may-be-lost/
The Davidson Center for Student Health and Well-Being offers free monthly STI testing in Spencer-Weinstein. Testing is provided by Mecklenburg County Public Health. The next event is December 10 from 11:00 am-2:00 pm. Walk-ins are welcome, or sign up for a time slot on WildcatSync.