Viral Cultures: Activist Archiving in the Age of AIDS

Viral Cultures is the first book to critically examine the archives that have helped preserve and create the legacy of AIDS activism of the 1980s and 1990s. It demonstrates how contemporary activists, artists, and curators use these records to build on the cultural legacy of AIDS activism to challenge the conditions of injustice that continue to undergird current AIDS crises.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 280 pages
Publication date: 07 June 2022
Publisher: University of Minnesota Press

Delving deep into the archives that preserve the history and work of AIDS activism, Viral Cultures emerges as a groundbreaking contribution to the existing scholarship on AIDS activism of the 1980s and 1990s. Serving as a vital supplement to this body of knowledge, this book offers a comprehensive examination of the archives that have played a pivotal role in safeguarding and perpetuating the legacy of these radical activities. Authored by Marika Cifor, Viral Cultures charts the tireless efforts of activists, archivists, and curators who have dedicated themselves to documenting the work of AIDS activism in the United States and the infrastructure established to maintain it. By meticulously safeguarding the material for future generations, this work ensures that the memory of these social movements remains intact, while also revitalizing the past epidemics to shape the present and future of AIDS.

Drawing upon extensive institutional archives, such as the New York Public Library, as well as those developed by small, community-based organizations, Viral Cultures employs an archival ethnographic approach to explore how contemporary activists, artists, and curators utilize these records to build upon the cultural legacy of AIDS activism. Cifor delves into the intricate power structures that mediate these archives, shedding light on how ideology shapes the nature of archival material and influences how it is accessed and utilized. By positioning vital nostalgia as both a critical faculty and a generative practice, Viral Cultures explores the act of preserving this activist past and reanimating it in the digital age.

While numerous books, popular films, and major exhibitions have played a significant role in raising awareness about HIV and AIDS activism, Viral Cultures provides a crucial missing link by highlighting the indispensable role of archives in enabling these cultural moments. By documenting the efforts of activists, archivists, and curators, Viral Cultures sheds light on the hidden histories and untold stories that have contributed to the ongoing fight against AIDS. This book serves as a testament to the power of archives in preserving and commemorating the legacy of AIDS activism, while also inspiring future generations to continue the fight for social justice and equality.

Weight: 398g
Dimension: 215 x 138 x 19 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781517909369