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Reply to "David Wojnarowicz - Artist"

I, too, have been motivated, touched, and intrigued by Wojnarowicz. In 1994 ETC Magazine, for whom I was writing back home (in Atlanta) sent me to the Toronto International Film Festival on assignment to cover what was becoming a "smorgasboard of queer cinema." I remember sitting in the theater, around 4 in the afternoon, when Postcards from America was screened. That was one of the most pivotal moments of my 20's. I had never seen anything like it; I had never heard of David, was not familiar with him in any way (yet), but in that theater, he spoke to me. I just froze. It was uncomfortable and scintillating and correct. One of the few times I've left a film, saying to myself and anyone who would listen, "Yes! There's the important stuff. This is what matters."

A few years later, after moving to New York, a friend loaned me a copy of Closer to the Knives - A Memoir of Disintegration. I was hooked, and began to read as much of his writings as I could find. And then FEVER. He continues to arrest me.

I do not understand why (nor do I need to), but what you say, Tonya, makes sense to me. We are often unconsciously drawn to people, places and things that speak to us. The dots get connected later. DW's writings, visuals and the people in his life seem to find me again and again. Thank you Tonya for this - it's a great and meaningful service you've done.
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