StoreVisual AIDS' summer exhibition Comic Velocity: HIV and AIDS in Comics closed last weekend, but the project continues online and in print. If you weren't able to see the show in New York, or if you want to learn more about the rich history of HIV and comics, check out the following resources.
Comic Velocity: HIV and AIDS in Comics, curated by Paul Sammut for Visual AIDS, explores how artists and activists have used comics to create and shape conversations about HIV and AIDS.
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An illustrated publication will accompany Comic Velocity, with writing by comics scholar Margaret Galvan, interdisciplinary artist Alexandro Segade, and comics creator Leonard Rifas. The publication is available for preorder at the Visual AIDS store ($15, ships September 2021).
On June 30, Visual AIDS and curator Paul Sammut hosted an online artist talk with comics creators featured in the exhibition. Check out the recording below and read more on the event page here.
As part of Comic Velocity, Visual AIDS commissioned four new comics from A. Andrews & J. Amaro, Inés Ixierda & Clio Sady, Carlo Quispe, and Mel Rattue. These new comics are published online at visualaids.org/comics and are also available as free, printed mini-comics.
You can order a set of mini-comics for the cost of shipping here.
Strip AIDS 2020 Podcast
Last summer, we launched our first podcast series in conjunction with Strip AIDS 2020. Hosted by Alexandro Segade, the series features the artists of Strip AIDS 2020 in conversation with fellow AIDS activists to discuss themes and issues that are brought up in each comic.
Episode 1: Just a Pill? | J. Amaro and A. Andrews with Johnny Guaylupo.
Episode 2: Legalize Positivity | Inés Ixierda and Clio Sady with Robert Suttle.
Episode 3: Paco | Carlo Quispe and Joey Terrill.
Episode 4: Strutting to Stop Stigma | Mel Rattue and Rae Lewis-Thornton.