Art, Activism and the Age of AIDS 1 Favorite 

David Wojnarowicz as a Catalyst for Collective Action

Not all art is political and by no means are politics art. However, through Wojnarowicz’s works criticizing and critiquing the US government, he was able to successfully blend art and politics to advocate for social change. Because of the topic and meaning of his art, specifically pertaining to the gay and AIDS infected communities, his art quickly became multi-national and immensely important. His message spanned the globe and inspired social action all over the world, including in Spain. David Wojnarowicz was a leader in the blurring of politics and art through his intriguing and unique ways of criticizing the US government over its response to the AIDS crisis.

Wojnarowicz sought to break the rules of conventional art and create something that would inspire social change. By challenging the preconceived notions of art, Wojnarowicz was successfully blended art and politics to create powerful and resonant works. His paintings and photos showed unconventional and controversial themes in unconventional ways and challenged the status quo of art at the time. In an era where little was being said and done about AIDS, the artist directly challenged the US government and other institutions by engaging the general public and inspiring political change. Through his use of scraps of paper found around New York, Wojnarowicz was able to critique engrained homophobia and AIDS-phobia, as well as engage with the public in an active and intriguing way. Although he was able to force the US government to acknowledge both the LGBTQ+ community and the AIDS crisis, many countries, even today, still struggle with acceptance and belonging.