Biomedical Research as Art: Celebrating Historical Breakthroughs in HIV-1/AIDS Research
Persistent URL
Author(s)
Crouch, Allison
Date Issued
April 26, 2023
Abstract
The queer community does not shy away from making HIV/AIDS the subject matter of our biomedical research and our art. As a queer scientist and artist, my goal is to have created artwork that sits at the intersection of these two, bridges a gap between art and science, and generates conversation around HIV-1/AIDS research, representing biomedical research as approachable, narrative, and humanitarian. Two large-scale abstract paintings depict significant breakthroughs in HIV-1/AIDS research: the identification of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in 1983 and the 1987 clinical trial that demonstrated azidothymidine’s effectiveness against HIV-1/AIDS. These monumental moments in HIV-1 research are abstracted– departing from classical history paintings– so as to not reduce the events to single pictures. I cannot and will not speak on behalf of those who experienced the AIDS epidemic, are HIV+, or have lost people to HIV/AIDS. The works are created from the perspective of a queer student studying the biomedical sciences and intend to celebrate the advancements in HIV research history which have been, for some, beacons of hope, light in darkness.
Major
Art: Studio Art
Honors
Art, 2023
First Reader(s)
Thomas, Ian F.
Other Reader(s)
Burleigh, Paula L.
Department
Art
Type of Publication
Senior Project Paper
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Name
Biomedical Research as Art: Celebrating Historical Breakthroughs in HIV-1:AIDS Research.pdf
Size
40.72 MB
Format
Adobe PDF
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