Peter Hujar, Self-Portrait 1975. Gelatin silver print © 2022 The Peter Hujar Archive / Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York
December 26, 1987: David’s friend and mentor, photographer Peter Hujar enters the hospital again and dies of AIDS-related illness at the age of 53 (b. Oct 11, 1934) six days later. David is at his side and takes photos of his dead body (accompanied by Ethyl Eichenberger and Anita Vitale). He is buried days later and David travels upstate to visit Peter’s graveside.