Through Positive Eyes, Johannesburg

Co-hosted by The Adler Museum of Medicine at the University of the Witwatersrand and the faculty of health science, the Johannesburg exhibition featured over 100 photographs by individuals living with HIV/AIDS from around the world, an array of commissioned two-dimensional and sculptural works, and live storytelling documenting the realities of individuals living with HIV in Johannesburg. The Johannesburg Through Positive Eyes collective of HIV-positive “artivists” (artist-activists) shared their photography and personal stories with medical students, school groups, and the general public. To enable faculty, students, HIV/AIDS activists, NGOs, and the public to engage with the exhibit at The Adler, the museum hosted a program of events to commemorate World AIDS Day on December 1, 2016. Through storytelling, video, and audio, faculty showcased their research alongside the work of the “artivists” in the gallery.