Activism through Art

Niccolo Cosme on using privilege to help others and HIV+ blood as medium of choice

■ PAOI EULALIA

For celebrated contemporary photographer Niccolo Cosme, having privilege and influence in The Philippines comes with the responsibility to use them very wisely and compassionately. Since his success in Manila’s pop culture, he diverted most of his energy to something that is priceless. People in developing countries still die from HIV/AIDS in this era as a result of something that is deadlier than the virus itself. Niccolo addresses stigma in his obras by using HIV+ blood as his medium of choice.

Belonging to a family of creative types and in the entertainment industry, Niccolo had the instinct to want a camera for his seventh birthday. He hasn’t stopped taking pictures since. Still a young man when Adobe® was launched, he dove into digital photography as a pioneer in mainstream media, consistently defining trends and innovations to the modern medium. Now in his 30s, Niccolo soul-searched for something more rewarding than fame and fortune. “My calling for LGBTQ advocacy started around 2008 when a dear friend of mine was diagnosed with HIV. I’ve never had someone close to me who had HIV so, in the process, I was finding ways to deal with my preconceived notions. That’s when I started Project Headshot Clinic in partnership with UNAIDS to create awareness about HIV/AIDS and fight the stigma attached to it. We’ve been doing it annually since then. We have to because ignorance, shame, complacency are still some of the reasons why people die of AIDS. Religion also plays a huge part in keeping access to condoms and other preventive measures away from key affected populations.”

The inspiration to use HIV+ blood came from a painting he’d heard of at the UNAIDS headquarters in Geneva that was painted with HIV+ blood. “There’s something to be said about being in close proximity to something that can kill when people experience artwork with HIV+ blood in it,” he quips.

For updates on his upcoming trip to the US, click below to follow him online.