AIDS
(1983 - Present)
For three decades, Wilde has investigated the social impact of the AIDS epidemic. In 1982, her son was born with a rare blood disorder. The parallels between the complications of his disease and AIDS propelled the artist into an unplanned journey.
Her first body of work, Plague Series (1983-1987) explored the parallels between AIDS and the Black Plague, specifically how people live through a time of great numbers dying: reacting with fear, denial, and blame. Six drawing were created that depict our unchanged reactions as humans centuries later when faced with death, sickness, and the unknown.
A second body of work, AIDS in Africa (1987-1990) is about the plight in Africa and the staggering numbers of those infected with AIDS. In 1990, Wilde traveled to Gambia, West Africa to observe the disease firsthand. After returning, she created Slim, a portfolio containing her first color plate etchings.
Her most recent etching project is AIDS Forms the Tally from 2008. Imagery from the suite represents the mounting numbers of those infected, individuals living longer, and ongoing research.
Wilde's work with AIDS is an ongoing process. A limited edition book, Half a Life is in development and is documentation of Wilde's work and the timeline of AIDS.