It Was Vulgar and It Was Beautiful

In It Was Vulgar and It Was Beautiful, Jack Lowery intricately explores the lives of a group of activists who used the power of art to combat the AIDS crisis in the late 1980s. Set against the backdrop of a devastating pandemic that was ravaging populations of queer individuals, intravenous drug users, and communities of colour across America, this compelling narrative delves into the formation and actions of Gran Fury, an art collective that emerged from the activist organisation ACT UP (AIDS Coalition to Unleash Power).

The book meticulously examines Gran Fury's bold and provocative tactics to fight corporate greed, government neglect, societal stigma, and widespread public indifference to the AIDS epidemic. Among their most iconic works is the "Kissing Doesn’t Kill" poster, a striking piece of art that challenged homophobic misconceptions about the transmission of HIV. The text also recounts dramatic moments like the collective's act of scattering fake dollar bills onto the trading floor of the New York Stock Exchange, a powerful protest against the financial exploitation of AIDS treatment.

Lowery provides a rich and nuanced portrayal of the collective and its members, highlighting their deep sense of solidarity and the profound emotional and psychological toll of enduring the AIDS crisis. Through expansive research and interviews, the book captures the essence of their defiant and creative spirit, demonstrating how their work was not only a form of resistance but also a means of survival and solidarity.

This exploration brings to light the continued relevance of Gran Fury and ACT UP's strategies, which remain a cornerstone for contemporary activism. As society grapples with ongoing issues of structural violence and the ravages of the COVID-19 pandemic, these historical lessons on the power of public art and direct action offer invaluable insights. It Was Vulgar and It Was Beautiful resonates deeply, reminding readers that the fight for justice and equality is perpetual and ever-evolving.