In the Curator’s
Statement:
My eye tends
to quieter images. I'm not sure why -- it just does. From
stolid museums to raucous art fairs to the dignity of the
Frank Moore Archive Project, I am attracted to images that
wait to be discovered. A lack of color riot, free of drama
screaming, less of that in-your-face-ness -- all attract
me.
And finding these works in the archive at Visual AIDS has
a special resonance. Work that stands for so much and yet
leaves room for choice, to notice, to care.
Liminal -- above or below the line?
I'm overcome by the life-force that emanates from the work
in the Archive Project. Artists who have chosen to cross
a line time and time again. Above or below. Too little or
too much. A bit or a lot. Representational or abstract.
Studied or carefree. Serious or fun. Despair or optimism.
Freedom or caution. Action or inaction. And on and on. These
works inspire me to choose my interpretation, my (world)
view, my reality.
Subliminal -- how much is enough and how little
is too little?
AIDS is not over! Can we afford to be subtle? Can we plant
a seed and trust that it will flourish? Can we dare to believe
that a new Administration will bring sense to the chaotic
nexus of health, education and HIV/AIDS? Art is political.
The art of the Archive Project poses real questions. A chorus
of life energy refusing to bow to fear, intimidation, ignorance.
A collective at work to call us into action. From safe sex
to charitable giving to political discourse. There are so
many ways to be involved; to take responsibility.
Sublime -- sometimes it's just right.
As I pulled together this gallery of images, something
shifted. Take the journey with me. From the barely perceptible
through the carefully constructed to the luscious red blood
of the tortured soul. From black and white graphic through
marble riches to the yellow grip of proud manhood. My eye
grew and my spirit was lifted.
Sincere thanks to Amy and Nelson for the opportunity to
spend time with the Archive Project and gratitude to the
artists for their tireless efforts and rich contributions.
b i o g r a p h y
Bernard Leibov aka Boxo is a creative strategist and a
curator/artist. He is a Board member of the HIV Law Project,
where he produces and curates benefit exhibitions. Bernard
is currently establishing BoxoFFICE, a project space featuring
contemporary art from the new American frontier.
Every
month, Visual AIDS invites guest curators,
drawn from both the arts and AIDS communities, to select several
works from the Frank Moore Archive Project.
Founded in 1988 by arts professionals as a response to the
effects of AIDS on the arts community and as a way of organizing
artists, arts institutions, and arts audiences towards direct
action, Visual AIDS has evolved into an arts organization
with a two-pronged mission: 1) Through the Frank Moore Archive
Project, the largest slide library of work by artists living
with HIV and the estates of artists who have died of AIDS,
Visual AIDS historicizes the contributions of visual artists
with HIV while supporting their ability to continue making
art and furthering their professional careers, 2) In collaboration
with museums, galleries, artists, schools, and AIDS service
organizations, Visual AIDS produces exhibitions, publications,
and events utilizing visual art to spread the message “AIDS
IS NOT OVER.”
The Body
is now the most frequently visited HIV/AIDS-related site on
the Web, according to the Medical Library Association and
also the most frequently visited disease-specific site on
the Web, according to Hot 100. The Body contains a rich collection
of information on topics ranging from HIV prevention, state-of-the-art
treatment issues, humor and art. An invaluable resource, The
Body is used by clinicians, patients and the general public.
Part of The Body's mission is to enable artistic expression
to reach the Web, and to join art with other resources needed
to help the public comprehend the enormity and devastation
of the AIDS pandemic and to experience its human and spiritual
dimensions. |
