SILENCE = DEATH Collective Poster, 1987

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Artifact Overview

The Silence=Death Collective was an activist group formed in 1985 during the height of the AIDS crisis. They collaboratively designed this poster to raise AIDS awareness. Originally, the inverted pink triangle was used by the Nazi regime to identify LGBTQ victims in concentration camps. Silence=Death reclaimed the symbol, inspiring action and raising consciousness of the AIDS epidemic at a community level.

Artifact Details

Artifact

Poster

Date Made

1987

Location

Not on exhibit to the public.

Object ID

2019.102.1

Credit

From the Collections of The Henry Ford.

Material

Paper (Fiber product)

Technique

Printing (Process)

Color

Black (Color)
White (Color)
Pink (Color)

Dimensions

Height: 36 in
Width: 27 in

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Related Content

  • The Silence = Death Collective designed this poster prior to the formation of the ACT UP organization, but transferred ownership to ACT UP in 1987. / THF179775
    article

    Silence = Death: The Early Fight Against the AIDS Epidemic

      On what would have been Larry Kramer's 86th birthday, we look at the history of the iconic Silence = Death poster and the pioneering ACT UP organization — the political action group that Kramer catalyzed.