Every year on December 1, people around the world mark World Aids Day to raise awareness about the symptoms, causes, and preventative measures of HIV/AIDS, which has claimed an unprecedented number of lives. Since the beginning of the epidemic, an estimated 64–113 million people have been infected with the HIV virus and between 33.6–48.6 million people have died of HIV. It is impossible to know exactly how many.

Red poppies represent consolation, remembrance, and death. Likewise, the poppy is a common symbol that has been used to represent everything from peace to death and even simply sleep, Hello Dorothy. Since ancient times, poppies placed on tombstones represent eternal sleep and poppies are used as a symbol to remember those who died in military service. 

I chose to do this piece in memory of the many friends lost over the years due to AIDS. I have lost count, but sadly, well over two hundred friends and loved ones. 

This red poppy color also always reminds me of the Red Ribbons worn as a simple and powerful strategy to combat the stigma and discrimination associated with AIDS. The Red Ribbon is now a universal symbol of solidarity and support for HIV-positive individuals. The reason for choosing red was its, “connection to blood and the idea of passion — not only anger, but love, like a valentine,” the Red Ribbon Project founders say.

I’d hoped that the world learned a lesson from these atrocities exacerbated by the fact that leaders the world over chose to stay silent and do nothing while AIDS spread through a community that many felt deserved it. I find that unforgivable. 

May all who were lost rest in peace.