Thank you for the reminder about Jarman, there’s a line in Blue where he narrates ‘it’s the uncertainty’ referring to the worst bit about the HIV virus, and that resonates with the early days of COVID. I’ve not watched the documentary on iPlayer yet, but I’m looking forward to it how I’ve re-listened to Blue.
I think the total sadness of this is the combo of knowing that those drugs were just around the corner, but also the deep stigmatisation that he and his peers must have faced. Even with our recent covid pandemic public mistrust, polarisation and stigmatism against Chinese people was documented, these men were caught in a completely different intersection when you add in the homophobia. It’s courageous, brave and sad art all at once.
Another artist you have introduced me to Victoria. I'm not familiar with Jarman's art, but I've just listened to Blue end to end (in bed not on the sofa). There was a moment half way through that made me weep. I am based in the UK so will watch the BBC doc you talk about, sounds really interesting. I' I was aware of the AIDS epidemic but was a child in the 80s so a lot of it passed me by. Thanks for all this, such an interesting post.
Thanks Helen, I was a child in the 80s too but I do remember the government campaign and the furore around section 28 that the BBC documentary discusses. It's such an interesting slice of social history.
I’m fortunate enough to have both viewed AIDS: The Unheard Tapes and to have attended The Art Salon featuring Derek Jarman. I totally get your brilliant connections Victoria, you’ve done it again. Of course I clicked on the link to experience once more the raw genius that is Blue. I have pressed the pause button to write this post, it feels like such a treat to be able to dive back in to the world of Jarman and his delphinium blues. The over arching poignancy of the documentary and the film is achingly sad. Both stay with you, hurt a little to watch but I cannot look away. These voices from the past continue to speak to our present and remind us to be kind, brave and to be human. What a legacy.
Exactly, I do believe that in the end only kindness matters. Thanks for your thoughts Heidi. Both are documents that at times are really hard to listen to because they are painful, but need to be heard.
Thank you for the reminder about Jarman, there’s a line in Blue where he narrates ‘it’s the uncertainty’ referring to the worst bit about the HIV virus, and that resonates with the early days of COVID. I’ve not watched the documentary on iPlayer yet, but I’m looking forward to it how I’ve re-listened to Blue.
Jarman died just before the combination drugs for HIV/AIDS were developed. We could have had him still with us.
I think the total sadness of this is the combo of knowing that those drugs were just around the corner, but also the deep stigmatisation that he and his peers must have faced. Even with our recent covid pandemic public mistrust, polarisation and stigmatism against Chinese people was documented, these men were caught in a completely different intersection when you add in the homophobia. It’s courageous, brave and sad art all at once.
Yes to all that.
Another artist you have introduced me to Victoria. I'm not familiar with Jarman's art, but I've just listened to Blue end to end (in bed not on the sofa). There was a moment half way through that made me weep. I am based in the UK so will watch the BBC doc you talk about, sounds really interesting. I' I was aware of the AIDS epidemic but was a child in the 80s so a lot of it passed me by. Thanks for all this, such an interesting post.
Thanks Helen, I was a child in the 80s too but I do remember the government campaign and the furore around section 28 that the BBC documentary discusses. It's such an interesting slice of social history.
Thankfully Mancunians we’re having none of it! https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/thirty-years-ago-manchester-held-14306077?int_source=amp_continue_reading&int_medium=amp&int_campaign=continue_reading_button#amp-readmore-target
"Furious, but defiantly joyous". Love it.
Hi Victoria
Thanks for posting ‘Blue’ again. It’s something I’ll return to again and again for Jarman’s insight.
Yes me too
I’m fortunate enough to have both viewed AIDS: The Unheard Tapes and to have attended The Art Salon featuring Derek Jarman. I totally get your brilliant connections Victoria, you’ve done it again. Of course I clicked on the link to experience once more the raw genius that is Blue. I have pressed the pause button to write this post, it feels like such a treat to be able to dive back in to the world of Jarman and his delphinium blues. The over arching poignancy of the documentary and the film is achingly sad. Both stay with you, hurt a little to watch but I cannot look away. These voices from the past continue to speak to our present and remind us to be kind, brave and to be human. What a legacy.
Exactly, I do believe that in the end only kindness matters. Thanks for your thoughts Heidi. Both are documents that at times are really hard to listen to because they are painful, but need to be heard.