Blood Mirror/MSNBC
This film premiered on MSNBC.com Original Docuseries SHIFT, view original msnbc.com link here.
“BLOOD MIRROR” – Political Art Film Protests The History and Current Policies of the FDA’s Ban on Gay and Bisexual Blood and documents the creation of Blood Mirror, a sculpture created with the blood of 9 men.
Activist/Filmmaker Leo Herrera presents Blood Mirror, a five minute film documenting the creation a 5-minute documentary of 7ft Sculpture created with the blood of nine men of different backgrounds: A 88 year old gay priest, and LGBT Nigerian activist in the US on asylum, a soldier discharged under DADT, The Co-Founder of Gay Men’s Health Crisis and its current CEO among others. The viral film is being released during the FDA’s Public Comment Period on lifting the ban as well as controversial one year celibacy period. The creators of the film hope to inspire the public to leave a comment at the FDA’s website.
Blood Mirror is endorsed by Gay Men’s Health Crisis, as well American University Museum in DC, where the Blood Mirror will be unveiled to the public on Sept 12, 2015.
About “Blood Mirror”
“Blood Mirror” is a film by Leo Herrera about the creation of Jordan Eagle’s Blood Mirror sculpture Nine men gathered to donate blood for the piece, medically supervised by Dr. Howard Grossman, LGBT activist and Former Director, American Academy of HIV Medicine. The blood was gathered to create the Blood Mirror, a 7ft monolith weighing over 450 lbs. Filming, research and the creation of the piece took production from a studio in Bushwick, to the labs of Rockefeller University, to an FDA Hearing in Washington DC. Two years in the making, this truly collaborative process that spanned several mediums, and included the volunteer work of twenty men and blood donation of nine. The Carry Nation, NYC’s currently most prolific DJ Duo produced the original score. GMHC CEO Kelsey Louie and Rasmussen, Director and Curator of the American University Museum at the Katzen Arts Center were consultants on the project and Fall 2015 exhibition.
This is Jordan Eagle’s first political scultpure utilizing human blood:
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This is Leo Herrera’s followup to his viral hits The Fortune Teller and 3 Eras of Gay Sex in 3 Minutes.
“Blood Mirror is about how gay men overcome stigma through gathering and art. It represents homophobia so deep it infected science itself and spawned a fear of our most precious fluids. For gay men to be healthy of mind and body, it is crucial we see eachother reflected in our brothers so we can overcome the anxieties specific to our people. The Blood Mirror is a relic and a symbol for the love of culture and community.”
About the Blood Ban & Public Comment Period:
In 1983, in early response to the AIDS crisis, the FDA implemented a lifetime ban prohibiting gay and
bisexual men from donating blood. Improved testing and medical advances have prompted calls for the
FDA to lift the ban. Per a study by the Williams Institute, lifting the ban could save up to a million lives.
On May 13, 2015 the FDA proposed a new policy to allow gay and bisexual men to donate blood, as so
long as they are celibate for a full year. We are currently within the FDA’s 60-day public comment period
on this proposed policy, ending July 14.
About Jordan Eagles
Jordan Eagles is an artist working in the medium of blood. This is Jordan’s first political piece utilizing human blood. His work as been featured in the NY Times, *** Museums, or whatever you want here*** and was more currently scene at NYFW at Lincoln Center as a centerpiece for luxury brand Skingraft’s SS15 LIne.
About Leo Herrera
Leo Herrera is a Mexican, NYC-based activist/filmmaker with a focus on gay anthropology and fighting HIV stigma. His viral clips, art films and music videos have gathered over half a million views online and featured in The Advocate, The Huffington Post, Out Magazine. His work has aired on PBS and LogoTV.
Tag: #BloodMirror #BloodEquality