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A review by ladybird4prez
It Was Vulgar and It Was Beautiful: How AIDS Activists Used Art to Fight a Pandemic by Jack Lowery
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
5.0
Really great and informational book about the interaction between/power of art and activism together. Jack Lowery details the work of ACT UP and Gran Fury, two AIDS activist groups whose work cannot be overstated. Even if you don’t think you’re too familiar with AIDS activism, you’ve almost certainly seen their work. It was fascinating to learn how images and sloganeering provided cohesion amongst the movement and aided in the transformation of consciousness for their audience.
The audiobook, read by Vikas Adam, is emphatically narrated, capturing the desperation and tenacity of the activists at the time. Just listening made my throat tight, and I forever mourn this unimaginable loss to our community (and that the crisis still persists) but to detail and commemorate the work of these groups and the tremendous impact their work held is really special.
Born out of desperation from neglect and exploitation, these communities came together to beg and fight for their lives through the use of art, imagery, slogans, performance and demonstrations as they were left to suffer and die by their government, the public, corporations, and greedy pharmaceutical companies. The sheer power of their art was instrumental in recruiting members, educating the public, and pressuring those in power to act.
Lowery doesn’t just focus on what the activists of ACT UP and Gran Fury did, but who they are, as well. They’re such fierce, headstrong groups that are commemorated. It’s moving, inspiring, infuriating, and it was a privilege to read.
The audiobook, read by Vikas Adam, is emphatically narrated, capturing the desperation and tenacity of the activists at the time. Just listening made my throat tight, and I forever mourn this unimaginable loss to our community (and that the crisis still persists) but to detail and commemorate the work of these groups and the tremendous impact their work held is really special.
Born out of desperation from neglect and exploitation, these communities came together to beg and fight for their lives through the use of art, imagery, slogans, performance and demonstrations as they were left to suffer and die by their government, the public, corporations, and greedy pharmaceutical companies. The sheer power of their art was instrumental in recruiting members, educating the public, and pressuring those in power to act.
Lowery doesn’t just focus on what the activists of ACT UP and Gran Fury did, but who they are, as well. They’re such fierce, headstrong groups that are commemorated. It’s moving, inspiring, infuriating, and it was a privilege to read.