New York, NY – The David Wojnarowicz Foundation is launching an ongoing series of oral history audio narratives on its website, wojfound.org.
These illustrated audio interviews will focus on people David valued in his lifetime, as well as a new generation inspired by his work. This includes interviews with activists, artists, archivists, gallerists, curators, writers, and David himself.
“The oral histories are a wonderful way for people to talk about David’s impact, and they serve the Foundation’s ongoing mission to keep his work and spirit present,” said Anita Vitale, Board Chair of the Wojnarowicz Foundation. “Whether you knew David in his lifetime, as was my good fortune, or his art and writing have reached you through the years, that is a conversation we want to have.”
David Wojnarowicz (1954–1992) was an accomplished artist, writer, and activist. The David Wojnarowicz Foundation advances the understanding of his work through scholarship, exhibitions and publications. The Foundation is created to inspire and foster a new generation of queer artists and writers to find their voice, pursue their truth and to continue the activism that so defined David Wojnarowicz’s life and art. Through scholarships and grants, The Foundation will assist both organizations and individuals that support these ideals.
Oral histories will be added to the Resources section of the Foundation website on an ongoing basis. Among the first entries will be artist, curator and gallerist Sur Rodney Sur; photographer and filmmaker Richard Kern; an interview by NPR Fresh Air host Terry Gross and David; and a conversational interview between David and his friend and mentor, the late Peter Hujar.
Interviews appear courtesy of The Artist Archives Initiative’s David Wojnarowicz Knowledge Base, The David Wojnarowicz Papers in The Downtown Collection at NYU Fales Library, HIV Arts Network panel discussions held at Hal Bromm Gallery, and NPR’s Fresh Air.
“We are grateful for the audio material being shared with us for the oral histories, and we are excited for this channel for developing additional contemporary interviews,” Vitale said.
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