Mixed Messages: A(I)DS, Art + Words

A mix of painting, print, sculpture, installation, and new media, the works will fully inhabit La Galleria: from doormats to door-hangers…hand-written graffiti on the bathroom walls to hand-cut vinyl text on the ceiling and ducts…and even the front desk computer’s screensaver.onal revelations and public declarations, the messages displayed are at times poignant and pointed, complemented by formal contrasts in scale and texture, from a post-card sized canvas to an 8-feet-wide banner and from neon to glitter and hand-poured glass to thickly molded porcelain.

Among the artists featured, Mixed Messages honors a mix of HIV-positive artists both living and lost and is dedicated to the memory of Lou Laurita, curatorial advisor of La MaMa La Galleria and friend of Visual AIDS.

A full-color catalog with essays by curator John Chaich and poet Justin Chin is available at the gallery, along with a limited edition tote bag designed by artists Chloe Dzubilo and T De Long.

A series of related public programs are open to the public:

Mixed Messengers Talk, Sunday June 12. 4:00 – 6:00PM. Free.

A panel discussion among the creatives behind recent HIV prevention campaigns. Moderated by Kenyon Farrow, co-editor, Letters from Young Activists, and featuring: Stephen Karpiak, PhD, of ACRIA’s HIV & aging outreach; Ivan Monforte of GMHC’s First Ladies Care & featured Mixed Messages artist; Kevin O’Malley of NYC’s GayMeth.org and Stop AIDS San Francisco’s What Makes You Strong?; and Chuck Pollard of L’Oreal’s Hairdressers Against AIDS.

Ask Me: Mixed Messages, Wednesday June 29. 7:00 – 10:00PM.
$10 suggested donation benefiting Visual AIDS.
A night of storytelling inspired by the exhibition, co-hosted by Cammi Climaco and David Crab, featuring Dan Fishback and more. askmestories.com.

Gallery Hours are Thursday through Sunday 1:00 – 6:00 PM.
The exhibition and events are open to the public and wheelchair accessible. Gallery Telephone: 212- 505-2476.

Tours can be arranged by calling Visual AIDS at 212-627-9855