Loewe unveils limited-edition David Wojnarowicz t-shirts in support of Visual AIDS

By

Robin Driver

Published
Jun 1, 2018

Loewe has released a limited-edition t-shirt collection featuring the works of NYC-based artist and AIDS activist David Wojnarowicz, with sales proceeds set to go to art-focused non-profit Visual AIDS.
 

Four of Wojnarowicz’s works have been selected for the cotton crewneck t-shirts which have been produced in a limited run of under 400 per design. Three of the t-shirts feature the artist’s stencil pieces, including 1983’s "Jean Genet Masturbating in Metteray Prison” and “Untitled (One day this kid…)” (1990-91). The fourth tee shows a photographic self-portrait from 1990, where the artist’s face appears partially buried in the dirt.
 
A controversial icon of the art scene of Manhattan’s East Village, Wojnarowicz explored various media throughout his career, producing works as a photographer, filmmaker, performance artist and writer.

After the death of his mentor and lover Peter Hujar from AIDS in 1987, Wojnarowicz also threw himself into AIDS activism, taking part in demonstrations and producing pieces that highlighted the social and legal challenges faced by those living with HIV and AIDS until his own death from the disease in 1992.
 
The release of Loewe’s t-shirts coincides with the opening of the Loewe Foundation’s exhibition of works by Wojnarowicz and Hujar which will take place from June through August at the brand’s Gran Via store in Madrid as part of the PHotoEspaña photography festival.
 
Founded in 1988, Visual AIDS is a non-profit organization seeking to raise awareness and create dialogue around HIV and AIDS, primarily through art projects and exhibitions, as well as public forums and publications. The organization also supports artists living with HIV/AIDS and works to preserve their legacy.
 
Loewe’s David Wojnarowicz t-shirt collection is available on the brand’s e-commerce platform, at Visual AIDS online and at Dover Street Market in London and Tokyo, as well as at Printed Mateer and the P.P.O.W Gallery in New York. T-shirts are priced at $99 each.