Through Positive Eyes
“Stigma grows out of fear, which prevents people from getting themselves tested and treated. By seeing these photographs and reading the accompanying stories, we can overcome fear and recognize our common humanity. That’s what Through Positive Eyes is all about: banishing stigma. It is the most important thing we can do to stop the epidemic.” — David Gere, Director, UCLA Art & Global Health Center
Through Positive Eyes is a large-scale photography and storytelling project created in collaboration with more than 130 people living with HIV/AIDS. The exhibition includes photography and video by artist-activists from 10 cities across the globe and a sculpture installation by Los Angeles–based multimedia artist Alison Saar. Combined, these works conjure a broad picture of the epidemic—ranging from everyday imagery to more abstract meditations on joy, grief, solitude, and resilience. Public programs will incorporate live storytelling in the gallery performed twice weekly by seven HIV-positive Angelenos known as the Los Angeles Through Positive Eyes Collective. This multitude of perspectives and voices coalesce around one core tenet: a belief that challenging stigma against people living with HIV/AIDS is the most effective method for combating the epidemic.
During the exhibition, HIV-positive (artist-activists from the Los Angeles Through Positive Eyes Collective will share their images and personal narratives, engaging in direct dialogue with museumgoers through live storytelling in the final gallery of the exhibition. Find the full schedule of performances here.
This event is organized by the UCLA Art & Global Health Center with the Fowler Museum at UCLA and is co-curated by David Gere, Director, UCLA Art & Global Health Center, Professor of World Arts and Cultures at UCLA, and founder of MAKE ART/STOP AIDS; Carol Brown, independent curator; and Stan Pressner, lighting designer. The exhibition is made possible by major funding from the Herb Ritts Foundation. It is also supported in part by an award from the National Endowment for the Arts and a gift from Elizabeth and Graeme Gilfillan in honor of Sarah Gilfillan.
Exhibition Dates: Sep. 15, 2019–Feb. 16, 2020
Opening Celebration: Saturday, Oct. 5, 6 p.m.*
*RSVP to the Opening Celebration
Venue: Fowler Museum
Gallery Hours: Wednesday, Noon–8 p.m.; Thursday–Sunday, Noon–5 p.m.
Price: Free
The Fowler Museum is located in North Campus.
Parking is available in lot 4.
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