December 1st is World AIDS Day, which is observed in some quarters as “A Day Without Art.” Some artists and art institutions create unique works to commemorate today’s special significance, others shroud their work.
In a world where powerful persons believe that the condom, the best universal protection against the spread of AIDS, is somehow immoral, a day of reflection and thought seems appropriate.
Back in 1989, I was temporarily working in Chicago and had a rare day off on December 1. I took the opportunity to go to the Art Institute without realizing that it was “A Day Without Art” (this was one of the first). Several of the most important works in their collection (Hopper’s Nighthawks, O’Keeffe, Grant Wood’s American Gothic, for example) were draped in black shrouds. My recollection is that there was one piece in each gallery that was covered for the day.
Of course, I was disappointed that I wasn’t able to view these works, but the effect of that temporary absence was exactly as intended, causing me to contemplate the concept of the impact of AIDS on the artistic community — that the toll is such that many potentially great and lasting works would never be completed before their creators perished.
???
Did I miss something?
December 1st is World AIDS Day, which is observed in some quarters as “A Day Without Art.” Some artists and art institutions create unique works to commemorate today’s special significance, others shroud their work.
In a world where powerful persons believe that the condom, the best universal protection against the spread of AIDS, is somehow immoral, a day of reflection and thought seems appropriate.
In Philadelphia, there has usually been a procession of people with black umbrellas at a specific time and location.
Back in 1989, I was temporarily working in Chicago and had a rare day off on December 1. I took the opportunity to go to the Art Institute without realizing that it was “A Day Without Art” (this was one of the first). Several of the most important works in their collection (Hopper’s Nighthawks, O’Keeffe, Grant Wood’s American Gothic, for example) were draped in black shrouds. My recollection is that there was one piece in each gallery that was covered for the day.
Of course, I was disappointed that I wasn’t able to view these works, but the effect of that temporary absence was exactly as intended, causing me to contemplate the concept of the impact of AIDS on the artistic community — that the toll is such that many potentially great and lasting works would never be completed before their creators perished.
But there will be saturday @ 9:00 eastern. 😉
Peace