item details
NameWhat do we wear to feel invincible? poster
ProductionNew Zealand AIDS Foundation; publisher; 2016; New Zealand
Classificationposters
Materialspaper, ink
Techniquesprinting
DimensionsOverall: 420mm (width), 595mm (height)
Registration NumberGH025368
Credit lineGift of New Zealand AIDS Foundation, 2019
Overview
This poster advertises a safer sex message aimed at gay and bisexual men. The image features men (one in drag) in body paint, playing on fantasy and super hero characters in popular culture, while having fun with the message that condoms are as important as super powers.
The poster was part of 'Love Your Condom' (LYC) - the New Zealand AIDS Foundation's HIV prevention programme which aims to build a condom culture among gay and bisexual men. These eye-catching posters were displayed in New Zealand in 2016, and like other LYC poster campaigns, focus on celebrating sex, rather than on risk and fear.
Posters are a traditional method of advertising. Why does a safer sex message aimed and gay and bisexual men need to be advertised to all passers-by? Posters in the street are not easily ignored, and may catch the eye of men who don't look at targetted media such as gay magazines or websites. Such messaging can also gain respectability and traction among wider communities when displayed on authorised hoardings.