They accomplished so much, even as they were dying': the groundbreaking gay art of Peter Hujar and Paul Thek

"Durbin emphasizes the urgency of documenting the lives of Hujar and Thek, stating, 'I wanted to show that they truly lived. They accomplished so much, even as they were dying.' This highlights the resilience and creativity of the artists despite their struggles."

"The book serves as a vital literary recovery in queer art, addressing the erasure caused by AIDS. Durbin notes, 'Among the many cruelties of AIDS was the second erasure: families claiming their sons died of another illness, stripping their queerness from the record.'"

The Wonderful World That Almost Was is a dual biography of Peter Hujar and Paul Thek, two influential gay artists whose work emerged before and during the AIDS epidemic. Their friendship and collaboration spanned over 30 years, ending with their deaths in 1987 and 1988 due to AIDS complications. The resurgence of interest in their work is evident, with Hujar's photography gaining recognition in contemporary culture. Durbin emphasizes the importance of preserving their legacy amidst the erasure caused by the AIDS crisis, showcasing their significant contributions to queer art.

Read at www.theguardian.com