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| author | Deshawn Michael Cook |
| title | Advocacy and Remembrance: The Impact of the Artist Community During the Onset of the HIV/AIDS Epidemic 1981-1996 |
| abstract | The early years of the HIV/AIDS epidemic were riddled with fear and death. This dissertation explores HIV/AIDS related arts
between 1981-1996 and its impact to promote awareness about the growing HIV/AIDS crisis, as well as its existence as an arsenal of HIV/AIDS history. Research
within uncovers not only the intentionality behind the creation of various works of art, but also delves into the lives of the artists and the effects these
artists had on society. This dissertation investigates the impact of the arts utilizing the themes of remembrance and advocacy. Artists were instrumental in
promoting safe sex education, demanding funding for HIV/AIDS research, and advocating for those rendered voiceless by the disease. Combating against apathy
from those in power, artists supported the medical advances made in HIV/AIDS research and used their talents as a catalyst for change. The artists explored
in include, but are not limited to, William Hoffman, Larry Kramer, Ross Bleckner, Keith Haring, Cheryl West, Felix Gonzalez-Torres, Carlos Alfonso, and Jonathan
Larson. These artists utilized their gifts to give voice to those who were silenced by the epidemic. Through their respective mediums, the artists also memorialized
those who have lost their battle with HIV/AIDS and serves as a testament to their lives, which have not been forgotten.
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| school | The Caspersen School of Graduate Studies, Drew University |
| degree | D.Litt. (2015) |
| advisor | Liana Piehler |
| committee | Mark Miller |
| full text | DMCook.pdf |
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