Northumbria NHS hosts Henry Hate’s HIV tribute in new academy
A thought-provoking piece by a high-profile artist has gone on display in a Northumberland health and care facility.
Eyes Open HIV commissioned a piece of artwork by American-born artist Henry Hate to celebrate the U=U campaign (Undetectable = Untransmittable).
U=U acknowledges that a person who is living with HIV, is on effective treatment and has a viral load that is undetectable, cannot pass on the virus.
The artwork, titled “Monument One,” documents the milestones that have allowed people living with HIV to live longer, whilst paying tribute to those who are no longer with us.
The artwork is a mixed media, containing glitter, inks, acrylics and 24ct gold. Based on the controversial Salvatore Mundi art, the work is to show the humanity of the individual protesting during the early days of the AIDS epidemic. The leather jacket represents the armour gay men and women worn at protests.
Bright Northumbria Healthcare Charity’s award-winning healing arts team organised the display in collaboration with Eyes Open HIV.
Bright chose the newly opened Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust’s Health & Care Academy in Cramlington as the home for this artwork because it is the centre for education within the trust. It will be hosted at the Academy for a year, enabling three cohorts of trainee nursing associates to view the display.
Marion Dickson, executive director of nursing, midwifery and allied health professionals, said: “I’m delighted to unveil this stunning artwork at our new Health & Care Academy where many new healthcare professions will begin their career.
“The placement of the display allows students and staff to have open conversations about sexual health, while raising awareness of HIV and reducing stigma. The painting is already creating much interest amongst our students and staff, and I’d like to thank the Eyes Open committee for this loan and the tremendous work they do.”
Jane Bassam-Roper, from Northumbria Healthcare’s sexual health service, said: “Our service is proud to support Eyes Open HIV and the work they do across the region. The commissioning of this artwork is an opportunity to shine a spotlight on HIV and reduce stigma in a really positive way.
“In our team, we pride ourselves on our specialist HIV services and our ongoing support for people living with HIV. We provide a wide range of free and confidential sexual health services that include a range of easy-access testing services across both North Tyneside and Northumberland for anyone aged 13 and over.”
Henry Hate is a visual and tattoo artist, famous for tattooing high profile clients such as Amy Winehouse. His HIV status was shared without his consent in 2009 by tabloid media, which he has said proves the stigmatised and ignorant treatment of people living with the condition.
Bright’s healing arts team is proud to present thought provoking displays such as this one, having previously installed an exhibition around staff diversity at North Tyneside General Hospital.
Jimmy Brightwell, engagement and inclusion lead within the trust, added: “I am beyond elated to see this beautiful, captivating piece of work hosted at Northumbria and the impact that it will have on those who see it.
“The significance of this extends beyond me and the LGBTQ+ community, breaking down stigmas that don’t often infiltrate non-LGBTQ+ spaces: Undetectable = Untransmittable.”
“People are proudly living healthy, productive lives knowing that their HIV status does not define them and does not pose any risk of harm to others, a testament to what healthcare can achieve when we recognise all people, from all backgrounds, deserve access to inclusive health and care.”
Visit www.northumbria.nhs.uk/sexual-health for more information on the services the trust provides.
