Book Review: David Wojnarowicz’s Arthur Rimbaud in New York
In a captivating series of photographs captured between 1978 and 1980, David Wojnarowicz embarked on a unique artistic project that involved donning a paper mask resembling the iconic French poet Arthur Rimbaud. This project, aptly named “Arthur Rimbaud in New York,” saw Wojnarowicz taking Rimbaud on a tour of the city, exploring various landmarks from Coney Island to Times Square’s infamous porn theaters. While Wojnarowicz is widely known for his work as a visual and performance artist, writer, and LGBTQ+ activist during the AIDS epidemic, the recent catalog released by the Leslie-Lohman Museum sheds new light on the significance of his Rimbaud project in today’s socio-political climate.
The exhibition catalog, which accompanies the museum’s showcase of nearly 500 photographs from Wojnarowicz’s project, resonates deeply in a time marked by growing authoritarianism. The imagery of federal immigration agents, masked to conceal their identities, storming Lower Manhattan in a recent raid mirrors Wojnarowicz’s use of the Rimbaud mask as a symbol of visibility and resistance. Additionally, the emergence of stealth wear as a fashion trend designed to counter government and corporate surveillance speaks to the relevance of Wojnarowicz’s work in challenging power structures.
Arthur Rimbaud, a revolutionary poet who passed away in 1891, experienced a resurgence in popularity among the New York Downtown arts scene and disaffected youth during Wojnarowicz’s era. Both Rimbaud and Wojnarowicz shared a common narrative as young, queer runaways, making Rimbaud a fitting symbol for Wojnarowicz’s protest against the prevailing societal norms. Wojnarowicz’s transformation of Rimbaud into a mask of youth, as described by curator Antonio Sergio Bessa, invites viewers to identify with the rebellious spirit embodied by Rimbaud and Wojnarowicz.
Bessa’s thesis on self-removal, as articulated in the catalog, prompts us to consider the act of removing oneself as a form of political resistance. Whether through literal masking or the refusal to engage in oppressive systems, Wojnarowicz’s work challenges us to innovate and defy expectations in our resistance efforts. By merging reflection with sabotage, Wojnarowicz’s use of the Rimbaud mask underscores the need for creativity and unpredictability in confronting institutional violence and surveillance.
As we navigate the complexities of modern-day activism, Wojnarowicz’s legacy serves as a beacon of inspiration. Whether through traditional protest methods, preemptive action against government incursions, or the creation of art in defiance of oppressive forces, Wojnarowicz’s message endures. “David Wojnarowicz: Arthur Rimbaud in New York,” edited by Antonio Sergio Bessa, offers a profound exploration of Wojnarowicz’s artistic vision and societal critique. The exhibition at the Leslie-Lohman Museum of Art provides a unique opportunity to engage with Wojnarowicz’s timeless message of resistance and resilience.
For those interested in delving deeper into Wojnarowicz’s groundbreaking work, “David Wojnarowicz: Arthur Rimbaud in New York” is available for purchase online and in bookstores. The exhibition at the Leslie-Lohman Museum of Art will run until January 18, offering a thought-provoking experience for art enthusiasts and activists alike.
