‘People weep in its presence’: how the UK Aids Memorial Quilt became one of our great works of art

It began as a simple act of remembrance, dedicated to those who lost their lives to Aids. Now this ever-growing patchwork of gravestone-sized panels has taken on new meaning as one of the most significant artworks of the past 40 yearsA young man is standing face to the wall. He is sobbing, being consoled by friends. An older gay couple walk slowly, hands gripped together, supporting each other. Groups of young queer friends are arm-in-arm, united in grief. In front of them is the UK Aids Memorial Quilt, its panels sewn with images and messages: “Malcolm”, reads one, “I wish that I had known you longer.” Another panel is dedicated to “those rejected, denied, alone”. Another reads simply, “Dear Scott, I miss you so much!”Over the past few days, more than 20,000 people have visited Tate Modern’s Turbine Hall to see the quilt. Many of those visitors have wept openly in its presence, spending hours in the space. The atmosphere has been hushed, reverential. Some said on social media later that it was the best thing they’d ever seen at the Tate. Continue reading...

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