David Wojnarowicz’s film, A Fire In My Belly

Tuesday, December 14, 2010

A still from the film A Fire In My Belly showing a painted sculpture of Christ on the cross. — David Wojnarowicz,A Fire In My Belly (Film In Progress), 1986-87, Courtesy of The Estate of David Wojnarowicz and P.P.O.W Gallery, New York and The Fales Library and Special Collections/ New York University

The Warhol is presenting the complete, two-part version of David Wojnarowicz’s film, A Fire in My Belly. This film was recently removed from the exhibition Hide/Seek: Difference and Desire in American Portraiture, at the National Portrait Gallery in Washington D.C. after complaints from William Donahue of the Catholic League and Representative John Boehner. We stand in solidarity with the National Portrait Gallery exhibition curators, Jonathan Katz and David C. Ward; the estate of David Wojnarowicz; and the international community of contemporary artists and arts organizations, who all condemn the decision to censor this film.

One of the leading artists of the 1980’s, Wojnarowicz (1954–1992) and his work were deeply influenced by his dystopic childhood and his time as a street hustler in New York. A self-taught artist, he created works that might be read as visualizations of his life, a diary in multiple formations.

In addition to A Fire in My Belly (1986-87), the artist’s work Untitled (One Day This Kid…) from 1990 is also available as a take-away item for our visitors. Both the video and the take-away are courtesy of PPOW Gallery, New York City.

Screenings continuous during regular Museum hours.

Our Pittsburgh arts institutions partnership in solidarity to the censorship include the Mattress Factory Museum, and the Wood Street Galleries. Our partner screening schedules:

Mattress Factory Museum, 500 Sampsonia Way, Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday 1 – 5 p.m., Screening continuous, through February 13.

Wood Street Galleries, 601 Wood Street, Wednesday and Thursday 11 a.m. – 6 p.m., Friday and Saturday 11 a.m. – 8 p.m., Sunday 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. Screening continuous, through January 30.