The Reaper – painting under $400

The Reaper – painting under $400

The Reaper 

The Reaper is an acrylic painting, created in 1990, addressing the spread of AIDS. At the time, AIDS was still in its early stages, and many heterosexual couples were not taking precautions. This artwork was conceived as a statement piece, using palette knives to create an impactful image. It depicts a musician walking along the iconic Kings Cross strip in Sydney, a reference to my personal experiences with the area’s nightlife. The musician represents the Grim Reaper, a metaphor for the looming threat of AIDS. His guitar even bears the initials “GR.” The painting reflects the dangers associated with drug use and risky behaviour, particularly in the context of the music scene and sex work, both of which were linked to the transmission of AIDS and hepatitis.