Visual Arts and the AIDS Epidemic
Fri, July 13, 2018
1–5 pm
(L to R) John Fekner, Jenny Holzer, David Wojnarowicz, Keith Haring and Michael Smith. "Urban Pulses" Pittsburgh Center for the Arts, Pittsburgh, PA 1983 Photo credit: David Lubarsky 1983 Courtesy John Fekner Research Archive
Become a member today!
Join now to enjoy early access to exhibitions and events, unlimited free admission, guest privileges, and more.
Join nowThe Susan and John Hess Family Theater is equipped with an induction loop and infrared assistive listening system. Accessible seating is available.
Learn more about access services and programs.
Floor 3, Theater
This symposium develops out of an oral history project of the same name undertaken by the Smithsonian's Archives of American Art, focusing on memories of the AIDS crisis in the 1980s and '90s and features conversations with artists, activists, and oral historians.
1–1:30 pm
Welcome and introductory remarks by Kate Haw, Director of the Archives of American Art, Julia Gruen, Director of the Haring Foundation, and David Breslin, DeMartini Family Curator and Director of the Collection.
1:30–2:15 pm
Collective memory and individual narratives of the AIDS epidemic
Moderator: Ted Kerr
Speakers: Avram Finkelstein, Alexandra Juhasz , Sur Rodney (Sur), and James Wentzy
2:15–3 pm
Hybrid responses to the HIV/AIDS crisis from individual artists
Moderator: Cynthia Carr
Speakers: Frank Holliday, Marguerite Van Cook, Fred Weston
Break (30 minutes)
3:30–4:15 pm
Race, gender, and protest: lessons from AIDS activism
Moderator: Alex Fialho
Speakers: Joy Episalla, Julie Tolentino, Robert Vázquez-Pacheco, Carrie Yamaoka
4:15–5 pm
Learning and remembering: interviewers respond
Moderator: Liza Kirwin
Speakers: Cynthia Carr, Alex Fialho, Ted Kerr, Svetlana Kitto
A reception for speakers and program attendees follows the program from 5–6pm in the Tom and Diane Tuft Trustee Room on the Eighth Floor.
This event has reached capacity. A limited number of standby tickets may be available at the admissions desk on a first-come, first-served basis. The standby line will open one hour prior to the program’s start time. The symposium will also be live-streamed on YouTube.
This program is organized in collaboration with the Smithsonian’s Archives of American Art and is supported by The Keith Haring Foundation.
