Kerckhoff’s tribute to AIDS awareness combats ignorance, fear
with reality
New exhibit celebrates human strength, spirit when faced with
death
By Emily Forster
Paint isn’t always what it seems.
Artist Jose Alvaro Perdices mixes watercolor paint with
HIV-infected sperm to create his work. The combination symbolizes
AIDS itself; just as people who have AIDS look healthy for the
majority of their lives, Perdices’ paintings seem "normal" but
contain the hidden element of death.
Under the shadow of the pandemic of AIDS, UCLA’s Cultural
Affairs Commission and Student Welfare Commission have organized a
new Kerckhoff Art Gallery exhibit showcasing works that deal with
the disease. The four artists selected to share their artwork in
honor of AIDS Awareness Month include Albert Winn, R.D. Riccoboni,
Jose Alvaro Perdices and Susan Kleinman.
Albert Winn’s work consists essentially of black and white
photographs. He began taking pictures of himself eight years ago
when he decided to re-create his life story. On display are four
photos that he took when he first learned he was HIV-positive.
Winn enjoys telling people stories about his life, whether they
are written to explain the photos he takes or read out loud. He has
read stories on the radio and he will be telling one during the
opening reception tonight.
For Winn, his personal stories are important to society’s
understanding of AIDS.
"People who have AIDS, or any kind of illness, tend to be
secretive, but that leaves too much to the imagination. It makes
you less of a person and more of a mystery. If you’re open, people
will have a better understanding of you," says Winn.
However, Winn does not display his work with the sole intention
of making people aware of AIDS.
"I don’t do the work to help people understand AIDS. It’s me and
my life and I happened to be diagnosed along the way," explains
Winn.
In contrast to Winn’s simple, dark photos, Riccoboni’s work is
an explosion of vibrant colors on canvas. Said Riccoboni to explain
his uplifting paintings, "I want people to see my work and feel the
fire and passion for the simple everyday things in life we tend to
forget."
The featured work portrays friendships that have developed
throughout the years and those that have abruptly ended.
"I understand the sense of loss we all feel. The men I portray
so tenderly are my friends. Many are now spirits, but I can touch
them when I paint," says Riccoboni.
His work, which has been featured in magazines and newspapers,
is currently on permanent display in over a dozen galleries.
Riccoboni’s work has even received recognition from the White
House. Kristine Gebbie, President Clinton’s National AIDS Policy
Coordinator, has supported Riccoboni and attended the art exhibit
featuring his work at the Rand Schrader AIDS Clinic.
Perdices has also received attention for his work, but most of
the interest revolves around his unusual way of mixing paints. The
AIDS-infected sperm he paints with was donated by friends.
"The making of the drawings has been possible with the
generosity of my best friends, who gave such unique treasures,
which are in the limit of the extremes," says Perdices.
UCLA alumni Susan Kleinman’s work is widely recognized for her
chaotic abstract paintings and creative use of color.
"The shapes and design of this piece illustrate the chaos and
havoc of dealing with the AIDS crisis. Its bright colors on a dark
background signify hope and high spirits, despite the darkness,"
says Kleinman.
Collectively, the works of these four artists bring AIDS to the
attention of the campus.
"This kind of thing shouldn’t be hidden. We need to combat
ignorance with knowledge, not secrecy," says Winn.
EXHIBIT: Presented by the Cultural Affairs Commission in
conjunction with the Student Welfare Commission at Kerckhoff Art
Gallery. Opening reception at 7 p.m. tonight. For more info call
(310)206-6564.