Facing illness is a journey filled with frustration, disappointment and despair. It seems a process beyond most people’s imagination. The artists of HIV+WOMEN+ART see art-making as being inextricably linked to their survival and healing. They also believe that art can play a key role in helping people cope with and understand HIV/AIDS.

While putting together this show, the artists talked about the flaws in our system meant to protect women from infection and care for those who are ill. The destinies of many women are shaped by sexual, gender and drug politics around the world. All the artists here have dedicated their lives to bringing attention to these flaws and fighting for change. Their message is an inspiring and empowering one.

Their work shows us the dialog between their spirits and their bodies, both infected and affected by AIDS. In Becky Trotters piece, Lassitude, she depicts the very real burden and weight of her body. In Rebecca Guberman-Bloom’s series Inseperable Evolution, she studies the body’s link to the Earth; it’s delicateness of flowers and tenacity of roots. Joyce McDonald explores the reeling emotions of despair and the rapture of faith. And Nancer LeMoin’s bold work focuses on social awareness.

The body maps made by HIV+ women in Africa remind us of a struggle against HIV/AIDS far more devastating than in any other part of the world. There too art can play a part in healing. The posters collected for HIV+WOMEN+ART from America, Africa and Canada are examples of art being used as a tool to spread awareness.

Women’s struggle to protect themselves from contracting HIV/AIDS is a profoundly complex and unique challenge. Inadequate knowledge about the disease, inequality, sexual violence, and lack of health care options are all reasons why now more than ever, the fight against the epidemic requires educating women, young and old, about the unique vulnerabilities and challenges facing them. Art is one tool which can be used to face the complex challenges in the fight to save women’s lives.

I would like to thank the following for helping to support this exhibit: Amy Sadeo at Visual AIDS, Monique Howard from New Jersey Women and AIDS Network, Sheila Dauer at Amnesty International’s Women’s Human Rights Program, Melisa Digioia at Planned Parenthood, Marion Banzhof at Sony Staff Foundation and all who showed their support.

-Karin C. Jervert