About the Exhibition
For their 30-second television spot, Bing Lee (b.1948, Canton, China) and Garson Yu (b.1961, Hong Kong, China) utilize the ancient Chinese board game “GO” as a metaphor for the spread of HIV, the virus that causes AIDS. White and black stone pieces are animated to symbolize the spread of the virus through the body as well as through society. The completed message is broadcast in English, Cantonese, Mandarin, Japanese, and Korean on various Asian cable channels nationwide and other venues.
Although the artists’ transmit a message that can be understood by audiences from all walks of life, it may be interpreted as being specifically intended for an Asian-American audience. The AIDS epidemic is having an increasing effect on the Asian-American community. At this point in the epidemic, prevention strategies must be creative and appropriate for the population to be reached.
A 30-Second Public Service Announcement on AIDS is a project of the Public Art Fund, Inc., New York. The idea was conceived, written and directed by Bing Lee and Garson Yu; James Clark was the Executive Producer; and Robert Beck was the Associate Producer.