Blood Works: The Sanguineous Art of Robert Sherer

The medium is the message in these drawings rendered in blood — both HIV-negative and HIV-positive.

BY Christopher Harrity

December 01 2012 5:00 AM ET

Sweet William
HIV+ and HIV- blood on paper
25" x 19"
Collection: Kenneth E. Ross

Sherer: Sweet Williams are among my favorite flowers. Growing up I loved to help my grandmother gather flowers for her splendid arrangements. I will always remember hearing her say, “Now, honey, cut down the most beautiful ones first.”

Since there is a correlation between HIV transmission and sexual attraction, it could be said that AIDS also “cuts down the most beautiful ones first.”

The bouquet gatherer is a grim reaper, of sorts. The Billys, Bills, Willies, Wills can’t help that they are beautiful. Too many Williams dead!