Over 14 years after he created an artwork that won national acclaim, a Haitian-American artist, Jeff Jeudy, is breathing new life into HIV/AIDS awareness and pushing for fresh conversations about illness, identity, and stigma using art.
His 2011 piece, ‘You Can’t Tell By Looking at Me’, features a visual of a baby painted in white beside a stark red ribbon, the global symbol of HIV/AIDS awareness. The artwork, which won a national visual arts competition in the United States, continues to spark emotional responses and fresh interpretations today.
In a statement shared with Saturday Beats, Jeudy said, “People often don’t realise you can’t always see illness. That’s what the piece was about; perception, compassion, and awareness.”
Since creating the piece, Jeudy has expanded his creative practice to include photography, filmmaking, and digital media. These days, he leans heavily into smartphone photography, a medium he describes as both “flexible and democratic”.
The creative also shares his work on social media platforms, where he has cultivated a growing audience, especially among younger, socially conscious users.
“Going viral is nice, but what’s more meaningful is knowing something I created made someone feel seen or inspired them to think differently.
“There are so many young artists out there with powerful voices, I want to help give them the kind of platform I had.”
He added that the competition will focus on elevating diverse perspectives and encouraging authentic storytelling around health and human rights.
Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Syndigate.info
).
