Tenderness and Rage: A Powerful Exhibition on HIV Activism

Tenderness and Rage Exhibition Highlights HIV Activism and Solidarity

A new exhibition at the Wellcome Collection in London brings the power of HIV activism and solidarity to life through the stories of those who lived with the disease. The poignant exhibition explores the human face of the HIV epidemic, from the 1990s to the present day.

The show, curated by Adam Rose, delves into the lives of individuals and communities affected by HIV, highlighting their struggles, joys, and triumphs. Among the exhibits is the story of Phindile, a South African AIDS counsellor who lost her job after the Trump administration cut funding that supported her clinic. Phindile's experience is a stark reminder of the ongoing struggle for access to treatment and resources for those living with HIV.

The exhibition also features photographs from Gideon Mendel's series The Ward, which captures the care and daily lives of four young gay men – John, Ian, Steven, and Andre – on the Broderip and Charles Bell wards at Middlesex hospital. Mendel's photographs are a testament to the humanizing impact of his work, which sought to de-stigmatize and humanize gay men living with HIV. His series, which features intimate portraits of patients, loved ones, and staff hugging and touching, challenges the stigmas surrounding HIV and promotes empathy and understanding.

Phindile shares her story of losing her job as an AIDS counsellor after the Trump administration cut funding that supported her clinic. This is a personal and poignant reminder of the devastating impact of funding cuts on individuals and communities affected by HIV.

The exhibition also explores the activism surrounding the HIV epidemic, including a cabinet featuring photos, press reports, and posters about Act UP's campaign to lower the high cost of the first successful HIV drug, AZT. Act UP, a pioneering organization that fought for the rights of people living with HIV, played a critical role in pushing pharmaceutical companies to make lifesaving medication more accessible.

The campaign, which involved activists buying shares in the drug firm and questioning the company's executive at its annual meeting, led to a significant reduction in the price of AZT. This was a major victory for Act UP and a testament to the power of activism in driving change.

The Landmark, a drop-in centre in Tulse Hill, south London, for people affected by HIV/AIDS, also features in the exhibition. The centre, which provided a safe space for those living with HIV to receive support and care, was a beacon of hope during a difficult time. A documentary, Dancing Whilst Diagnosed, tells the story of the Landmark, showcasing its impact on the lives of those who used its services. The film highlights the centre's role in providing a safe space for people to receive support and care, and its importance in the fight against HIV.

A memory store created by Angelina Namiba also includes a published diary of her pregnancy and her daughter's framed handprint. In the early 1990s, pregnant women were encouraged to create these boxes for their children so they would have something to remember their mothers by if they died. This poignant exhibit highlights the emotional and personal impact of the HIV epidemic on individuals and families.

Key Facts:

• The Wellcome Collection's exhibition, Tenderness and Rage, runs from May 29, 2026, to May 30, 2027. • The exhibition explores the human face of the HIV epidemic, from the 1990s to the present day. • The show features photographs from Gideon Mendel's series The Ward, which captures the care and daily lives of four young gay men living with HIV. • Act UP's campaign to lower the high cost of AZT led to a significant reduction in the price of the drug, making lifesaving medication more accessible to people living with HIV. • The Landmark, a drop-in centre in Tulse Hill, south London, provided a safe space for people affected by HIV/AIDS, offering support and care during a difficult time. • Phindile's story highlights the ongoing struggle for access to treatment and resources for those living with HIV, a struggle that continues to this day.