Gran Fury Read My Lips Exhibition Jan 31-March 17
The first comprehensive survey documenting the important AIDS activist art collective's work from 1987 to 1995 is set to open on January 31 at 80WSE. The exhibition, curated by Gran Fury and 80WSE Assistant Director Michael Cohen, runs through March 17, 2012.
Angered by the political sphere’s refusal to address or react to the AIDS crisis that devastated NYC beginning in the ‘80s and continuing through the ‘90s, a group of designers and artists formed the collective, Gran Fury, after meeting through ACT UP (the AIDS Coalition to Unleash Power).
Photographs and records from the period help convey the urgency of the early AIDS crisis that lead many into the streets to demand reforms that changed public policy and saved countless lives. Gran Fury's work raised public awareness of AIDS and put pressure on politicians, while sparking debate in sites ranging from the Illinois Senate to the tabloid press of Italy.
Much like today’s global activists leverage technology and social media to organize and inform, Gran Fury utilized the tools available to them at the time. Through media including billboards, postcards, video, posters, paintings and giveaways, the group was able to heighten public awareness of AIDS, while compelling politicians into action.
This is such an important piece of our history!
EVERYONE should go see this!
"Gran Fury: Read My Lips" Exhibition Information
80WSE Galleries
80 Washington Square East in Greenwich Village (Between West 4th Street and Washington Place)
Exhibition Dates: January 31 to March 17, 2012
Gallery is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10:30am to 6pm
The exhibition and panel are free and open to the public
Nearby Subways: A, B, C, D, E, F, M, N, R, 4 and 6BestGayNewYork.com
Categories: News and Happenings, HIV, Art, Celebrity
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