The artist (who was HIV negative) chose to work with a person living with HIV. Together, Xray Aims and Fireball, honored those who had died from complications of AIDS, and those who are currently living with HIV.
An area was offered to the audience, which had books, articles, Wikipedia lists, etc., about (or by) people who had died of AIDS, or were living with HIV. People were encouraged to offer a name, either spoken or written, and Xray Aims would speak the name and then pierce the chest of the performer. If they didn’t have someone in mind, they could choose from the texts.
Eventually, the piercing was complete, and the needles were removed. They bled in the shape of the triangle.
Day With(out) Art : World AIDS Day
Cyclorama, Boston, MA US
2016.12.01