BOOKS: David Wojnarowicz Is Still Burning

Although artist David Wojnarowicz died in 1992, his works seems to have colored the complete decade of the '90s. His incendiary take on AIDS, censorship, and homophobia gave a visual momentum to a rising revolution of political and activist art and demonstration.

On the 20th anniversary of Brush Fires in the Social Landscape, Aperture Foundation presents an expanded and redesigned edition of the only book that features the breadth of Wojnarowicz's work with photography. The artist's use of the medium, at times in conjunction with text and painting, was extraordinary.

Begun in collaboration with the artist before his death and first published in 1994, Brush Fires engaged what Wojnarowicz would refer to as his "tribe" or community. Contributors -- from artist and writer friends such as Karen Finley, Nan Goldin, Kiki Smith, Vince Aletti, Cynthia Carr, and Lucy R. Lippard to David Cole, the lawyer who represented him in his case against Donald Wildmon and the American Family Association -- together offer a compelling, provocative understanding of the artist and his work.

For more information see Aperture.

Seeds of Industry II, 1988-89. Black-and-white photographs, acrylic, and collage on masonite. 24 x 30 in.
(c) the Estate of David Wojnarowicz, Courtesy P.P.O.W Gallery, New York

Arthur Rimbaud in New York (on subway), 1978-79. Gelatin-silver print. 8 x 10 in.
(c) the Estate of David Wojnarowicz, Courtesy P.P.O.W Gallery, New York

Where I'll Go After I'm Gone, 1988-89. Black-and-white photographs, acrylic, spray paint, and collage on masonite. 45 x 64 in.
(c) the Estate of David Wojnarowicz, Courtesy P.P.O.W Gallery, New York

Untitled (Eye with Ant), from the Ant Series, 1988-89. Gelatin-silver print. 16 x 20 in.
(c) the Estate of David Wojnarowicz, Courtesy P.P.O.W Gallery, New York

Nan Goldin, David Wojnarowicz at Home, New York City, 1991. Cibachrome print. 30 x 40 in.
(c) Nan Goldin, Courtesy Matthew Marks Gallery

Untitled (face in dirt), 1990. Gelatin-silver print. 19 x 23 in.
(c) the Estate of David Wojnarowicz, Courtesy P.P.O.W Gallery, New York