Remembering Lives Lost: A Community Creates a Memorial to AIDS in Bordeaux
A workshop held in Bordeaux, France, brought together individuals to begin designing a local panel for the “Patchwork of Names,” a global memorial commemorating those who have died from AIDS. Organized by Bordeaux Ville Sans Sida and Le Girofard, the initiative aims to create a lasting tribute and foster collective mourning.
Les Ami.e.s du Patchwork des noms
A Global History of Remembrance
The Patchwork of Names originated in San Francisco in 1985, as a response to the growing AIDS crisis. Each panel, measuring 1.80m by 90cm – the size of a grave – serves as a unique memorial. When joined, these panels form larger squares of 3.60m, allowing for display worldwide. The project has become a powerful symbol of remembrance and advocacy.
Localizing Loss: The Girondin Panel
Participants in the Bordeaux workshop discussed how to best represent the lives lost in the Gironde region. Ideas included including the deceased’s first name, birth and death years, and personal stories. Some envision incorporating the Garonne River into the design, symbolizing a connecting thread of memory.
The Power of Collective Mourning
The workshop attendees were motivated by a variety of reasons. Some sought a space to grieve for loved ones, while others were deeply moved by the display of the Patchwork at the CAPC in Bordeaux earlier this year, which drew nearly 4,000 visitors. Many wished to honor friends lost during the peak of the epidemic in the 1980s and 1990s.
Beyond Remembrance: The Ongoing Fight
This initiative coincides with broader cultural programming marking 40 years of HIV/AIDS history in Gironde. The Musée d’Aquitaine and the Mériadeck library are also hosting events addressing the rights of women facing HIV, highlighting the continued relevance of awareness and support.
FAQ
- What is the Patchwork of Names? A global memorial project comprised of panels commemorating individuals who have died from AIDS.
- Where did the Patchwork of Names originate? San Francisco, in 1985.
- What are the dimensions of each panel? 1.80m by 90cm.
- What is the goal of the Girondin panel? To create a local memorial within the larger Patchwork of Names, honoring those lost to AIDS in the Gironde region.
Learn more about Bordeaux Ville Sans Sida and their perform here.
