It Was Vulgar and It Was Beautiful
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It Was Vulgar and It Was Beautiful
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It Was Vulgar and It Was Beautiful
The story of art collective Gran Fury-which fought back during the AIDS crisis through direct action and community-made propaganda-offers lessons in love and grief.
Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! DescriptionIn 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.
Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?
It Was Vulgar and It Was Beautiful by Jack Lowery is lauded for its emotional and passionate portrayal of AIDS activism, highlighting the power of art in transforming anger, grief, and love into a political force. Reviews commend Lowery's detailed reconstruction of the era's planning, sadness, and victories, making it an accessible history of the AIDS crisis and the activists involved. The book's engaging narrative and essential insights into the intersection of art and activism are frequently noted, making it a compelling and timely read.
Book Details
INFORMATION
ISBN: 9781645036586
Publisher: Bold Type Books
Format: Hardback
Date Published: 21 April 2022
Country: United States
Imprint: Bold Type Books
Illustration: 72 B/W illustrations
Audience: General / adult, Tertiary education, Professional and scholarly
DIMENSIONS
Spine width: 40.0mm
Width: 162.0mm
Height: 242.0mm
Weight: 640g
Pages: 432
About the Author
Jack Lowery is a writer and teacher, whose writing has appeared in The Atlantic, The Times Literary Supplement and The Awl. He completed his MFA in Nonfiction Writing at Columbia University, and has taught in the Undergraduate Writing Program at Columbia University. As an editor, he has published the poetry of David Wojnarowicz. He lives in Brooklyn.
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