Generations of Love (The Beds Project) 2006
Works by Rory Donaldson
A photography installation from October 10th to December 16th 2006
Tuesday to Saturday 10 - 1pm & 2 - 5pm
Free Admission
Living under the shadow of HIV/AIDS, gay men still loving and coping.
The Generations of Love (The Beds Project) began over a decade ago, and is presented here as a re-evaluation of the issue of HIV in a present day context. In this thought provoking installation, life size photographic images of couples and triples are printed onto sheets draped over beds. Each figure is photographically exposed to a different level comparable to the level of HIV exposure of that age group. The work depicts love and loss, gay Turin Shrouds – life affirming.
For the first time, The Beds Project showing at Crescent Arts will also serve as the artist's 'Soft Memorial' for some of the friends who took part in the project at its beginning, and who are sadly no longer with us. Rory Donaldson is also showing new photographic works in the exhibition that are complimentary to the installation and act as symbols of hope. The new works were made specifically for this show and have never been shown in public before.
Rory Donaldson – Generations of Love (The Beds Project)
When I began Generations of Love (The Beds Project) over a decade
ago I was looking into how we all have to re-consider our situation in the
wake of global HIV transmission. Core to the work then, as now, is how we
rise to the challenge of HIV transmission in our daily lives and how to illuminate
the subtleties that lie between positive and negative.
Through depicting gay male couples, of different age groups, both HIV positive
and HIV negative, my aim has been to examine how HIV plays a constant role
in our relationship; yet with the threat always present we are still able
to love and care for others. Generations of Love (The Beds Project)
focuses on this particular group because they were initially hit hardest as
this disease spread.
A sign in the Gallery states that the models are both Positive and Negative however the individual status of each model is not announced. The viewer is invited to speculate as to the status of the individuals depicted. The couples (and sometimes triples) are set in a loving tender embrace. The covers, still slightly rippled from the weight of bodies lying on the bed, bear the life size image of the couples. Like a stain on a sheet, these imprints mark a moment in time. Generations of Love (The Beds Project) deals with both the microscopic and the global and like the virus has developed and mutated over time.
There is still a clear difference between being HIV negative or HIV positive
in status. Yet this fact means that we all have an HIV Status of some type.
Both sides of the spectrum have their own issues to bring to the table. HIV
positive men have dealt with short-term life expectancy and can now re-evaluate
their option (strength and finance permitting). Conversely many HIV negative
men out live their positive friends and lovers. The continual revisiting of
loss can often manifest itself in the creation of ‘survivor guilt’ or inevitability
of infection. As we move into a new century the definition between positive
and negative becomes increasingly blurred.
Ten years on infection rates in the Western world continue to rise although the increase is less than projected. Long term survivors still continue to confound doctors and early detection and combination therapies increase chances or survival. However there is still no cure. The shadow of HIV still looms over us all and those affected by HIV far outnumber those infected.
As I re-examine the original impulse to create Generations of Love (The Beds Project) I realize that at the outset there was still a need to educate that this was not a gay plague, and to counteract associated hostility; while raising awareness that education and funding were of primary importance. Much has been achieved yet much still remains to be done. In 2006 the spotlight may have moved away from this cause and with it funding to fight HIV infection, for AIDS research and for education. As the global infection rates rise we now see the predicted jump to the largest infection rate in Africa being heterosexual women. Regardless of your status, sexuality or geography HIV continues to impact on our lives.
For exhibition related events see the calendar
With a thank you to Mr Andrew and Nick Boyes
