To mark World AIDS Day on 1 December, Atelier Kunstnerforbundet's resident artist Corentin JPM Leven exhibits his new work “THIS POSTCARD HAS BEEN PRINTED USING HIV POSITIVE BLOOD.” in Kunstnerforbundet.
Kunstnerforbundet wishes to mark World AIDS Day in commemoration of the historical events that have run parallel and intertwined with the many lives that have been part of the institution and the art scene in Norway. The acknowledgement of World AIDS Day at Kunstnerforbundet is co-curated by Håkon Lillegraven and Martina Petrelli of Atelier Kunstnerforbundet.
Corentin JPM Leven's installation in the Skylight hall presents an ordinary printer, printing postcards with the artist's HIV-positive blood during Kunstnerforbundet's opening hours for one day. The postcard's text addresses stigma, labels, and medical information that still shape the life of seropositive people today – both in Norway and internationally. The postcards are free to take by the visitors, as Leven aims to confront the fear and misinformation about the virus.
There is a long tradition of works made by seropositive people using their own blood to confront stigma – and Leven often uses this approach for his work on stage. Postcards, pamphlets, zines and other self-published printed matters have historically played a role in activism and preventive work across countries against the discrimination towards HIV/AIDS.
Through Atelier Kunstnerforbundet's visiting program, Corentin JPM Leven has been in conversation with Julius Matre, Heidi Dalene, Lars Sture, Ann Mirjam Vaikla, and Ana María Bresciani.
