Untitled (March 5th) #2

Felix Gonzalez-Torres was a gay-rights activist whose subtle political commentary included personal statements on the emotional devastation of AIDS. In 1991, after his partner, Ross, died of AIDS, Gonzalez-Torres created numerous memorials to him, including Untitled (March 5th) # 2, which commemorates Ross' birth date. Here, two factory-made light bulbs shine together to suggest a pair of lovers in one shared point of illumination. Although they glow brightly in unison, one bulb will inevitably burn out before the other, reminding us of the transience of human relationships and the temporality of life.

Purchase: acquired through the generosity of the William T. Kemper Foundation–Commerce Bank, Trustee