Mapping AIDS: Visual Histories of an Enduring Epidemic

Lukas Engelmann explores visual traditions in modern medical history, arguing that medical AIDS atlases played a significant part in establishing AIDS as a medical phenomenon, but risked obscuring the social, cultural, and political complexity of AIDS history. Photographs of patients, maps, and icons of HIV retold the epidemic's history.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 266 pages
Publication date: 12 November 2020
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Lukas Engelmann delves into the intricate tapestry of visual traditions in modern medical history, shedding light on the debates surrounding the causes, consequences, and global dissemination of AIDS. Through his comprehensive analysis, Engelmann contends that medical AIDS atlases, meticulously crafted between 1986 and 2008, played a pivotal role in establishing AIDS as a recognized medical phenomenon. These visual textbooks, designed for a global audience, not only provided a comprehensive understanding of the disease but also contributed to its widespread recognition. However, it is important to acknowledge that the visual representations of AIDS history risked obscuring the intricate social, cultural, and political dimensions that shaped its trajectory.

In the early days of the AIDS epidemic, photographs of patients became the primary means of visually characterizing the disease for medical professionals. These images were carefully cropped and framed to convey a clear and visible portrayal of AIDS to a medical audience. They served as a powerful tool for raising awareness and understanding of the syndrome.

Concurrently, maps offered an abstracted representation of the regions affected by the epidemic. These visual aids depicted the spread of AIDS across different continents and provided a visual snapshot of the global impact of the disease. The iconic image of the virus, with its distinctive shape and color, aimed to capture the essence of AIDS and serve as a symbol of its presence.

The historical narrative of the AIDS epidemic is retold through a combination of clinical photographs, epidemiological maps, and icons of HIV. These visual elements serve as powerful tools for exploring the complexities of the disease and its impact on individuals, communities, and societies. By examining these visual representations, Engelmann prompts us to contemplate how AIDS has transitioned from a mysterious and devastating epidemic to a controllable chronic condition.

Through his innovative study, Lukas Engelmann sheds light on the multifaceted nature of visual traditions in modern medical history. He emphasizes the significance of medical AIDS atlases in shaping public perception and understanding of AIDS. However, he also cautions against the potential limitations of visual representations, recognizing that they may oversimplify the complex social, cultural, and political dimensions of the disease. By engaging with these visual materials, we can gain a deeper appreciation for the history of AIDS and its ongoing impact on global health and society.

Weight: 400g
Dimension: 153 x 228 x 24 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781108444057