Georgia State's Newest Art Exhibit Raises
AIDS/HIV Awareness
By: Roshika West
Posted: 11/13/07
COMPASSION: LOOK, LISTEN, LEARN, these are the words that will be catching the eyes of Georgia State students as they approach the Gallery Lounge in the University Center. †The attention†grabbing words draw in viewers of the exhibit meant to raise awareness for AIDS and HIV. †Upon entering the lounge there are the usual pamphlets raising awareness for the virus, but what catches your attention are the colorful images that display the fight against AIDS. On World AIDS Day, the Gallery opened the COMPASSION exhibit with hopes of raising awareness for AIDS.
AIDS stands for Acquire Immune Deficiency Syndrome, which is the aftermath of HIV, a sexually transmitted virus that weakens the immune system, leaving it susceptible to infections that might otherwise be harmless. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, young people, like students, are at constant risk for HIV infection. Risk is especially higher for minority youth. A 2004 study on AIDS performed by the CDC noted the following information:
-An estimated 4,883 young people received a diagnosis of HIV infection or AIDS, representing about 13% of the persons given a diagnosis during that year.
-African Americans were disproportionately affected by HIV infection, accounting for 55% of all HIV infections reported among persons aged 13-24.
-During 2001-2004, in the 33 states with long-term, confidential name-based HIV reporting, 62% of the 17,824 persons 13-24 years of age given a diagnoses of HIV/AIDS were males, and 38% were females.
There is no doubt that AIDS and HIV are a devastating problem that directly affects the youth, students, and minority communities. That is why a group of artists came together to bring awareness through their illustrative works of art. The exhibit includes a host of works in different media including, video, painting, and photography. All of the artists works were excellent and told stories that made viewers think; yet the artists whose work stood out the most, included
Photographer Bill Howard also makes you think, with a diary like photo exhibit, each portraying the life of HIV/AIDS patients from every walk of life, from older men to babies. The impact that adds to the already beautiful black and white photos are the readable notes under the photos, in which the subject describes their experience with AIDS. It only takes one photo viewing to realize the emotional experience the virus has on society. It would be well worth the trip for all Georgia State students to view the COMPASSION exhibit and tell a friend, raise awareness, and celebrate life.
talented painter Marti Hand and photographer Billy Howard. Marti Hand's illustrative paintings quickly capture the eyes of viewers because of their color, movement, and illustrative details of each painting. Hand notes that she wants to you use her artwork to bring awareness to AIDS, pharmaceuticals, and the human spirit. The painting entitled "Wounded" (acrylic on canvas) was superior featuring red blood cells and platelets healing in a wound. The detailed close up of the bright red cells and yellow platelets, in motion with the strips of green, create an invigorating visual experience while the message of the painting, healing, leaves viewers feeling comforted. The painting "Mending Hearts" has similar movement and bright colors that symbolize medication healing broken hearts featured in the outstanding painting. Perhaps the painting that provoked the most thought on AIDS awareness was "Hand's Helping the Helpers" that beautifully features green "helper cells," which prevent infection being attacked by HIV, the blue cells. When viewed, "Hand's" amazing work will surely touch the heart and stimulate the mind as well.
