TL;DR
- New archive showcases queer activism photos from NYC’s ’80s and ’90s.
- Collection features over 150 images by Dona Ann McAdams.
- Highlights include ACT UP protests and everyday queer life.
- Photos serve as critical documentation of the AIDS crisis.
- Exhibit at New York International Antiquarian Book Fair from April 30.
Hold onto your rainbow hats, because we’re diving deep into the vibrant and tumultuous world of queer activism in New York City during the ’80s and ’90s! A newly released collection of vintage photos, aptly titled Arresting Images, is bringing the fierce spirit of radical queer activism back to life, and trust us, you won’t want to miss it.
Presented by Fugitive Materials, this collection features over 150 stunning images captured by none other than photographer and queer social documentarian Dona Ann McAdams. These aren’t just any photos; they’re a raw and intimate glimpse into the heart of a community that was fighting for its very existence during the AIDS crisis and other pressing social issues. As the world outside turned a blind eye, these activists were out there, making noise, raising awareness, and living their truth.
Daylon Orr, the founder of Fugitive Materials and the official archivist of McAdams’ work, shared some juicy insights with us. “In her self-organization of her work, she started and titled this collection; as I pored over her archive with her, we continued to build the collection,” Orr explained. And what a collection it is! These images capture everything from the fierce protests of ACT UP to the everyday joys and struggles of queer and feminist life.
“These images are first-hand, primary-source documentation of little-known, understudied, and underexamined moments,” Orr added. And you know what? He’s absolutely right. This collection is an irrefutable and unique record of the human toll of AIDS, showcasing the planning of actions, die-ins, marches, and even those silly, joyful moments that made up the fabric of life in NYC during this era.
In a time when the federal government was actively trying to erase these histories, McAdams’ work stands as a critical artifact. It’s a reminder of the resilience and creativity of the LGBTQ+ community, and it gives context to the struggles and triumphs of those who came before us.
The New York International Antiquarian Book Fair is the place to be from April 30 to May 3, where prints from Arresting Images will be available for purchase. Plus, on May 2, Orr will join writer and activist Adam Eli for an event called “Surviving Papers: Queer Activist Archives & Material Histories.” They’ll be diving into the legacies of ACT UP, Gay Activist Alliance, and Lesbian Feminist Liberation, discussing the importance of preserving these vital archives.
So, if you’re in the area, make sure to check it out! And for those who can’t make it, don’t worry—these stunning images will continue to inspire and educate long after the fair ends. Get ready to be transported back to a time of fierce pride and unyielding resistance!