Rediscovering Peter Hujar and Paul Thek: A Dual Biography

Andrew Durbin's new book, *The Wonderful World That Almost Was: A Life of Peter Hujar and Paul Thek*, explores the intertwined lives of two influential gay artists whose work emerged during the AIDS crisis. This dual biography highlights their friendship, creativity, and the cultural significance of their contributions to art, particularly in the context of their untimely deaths from AIDS-related complications in the late 1980s.

The Guardian

Peter Hujar, a photographer, and Paul Thek, a sculptor, were pivotal figures in the art scene of the 20th century. Their relationship began in the 1950s and evolved through decades of collaboration and personal challenges. Hujar's photography captured the essence of queer life, while Thek's installations, often ephemeral, challenged traditional notions of art. Both artists faced the stigma of AIDS, which not only claimed their lives but also threatened to erase their legacies.

The Untold Story of Peter Hujar and Paul Thek’s Intimate—and Complex—Bond

Andrew Durbin, the author of the biography, dedicated nearly five years to researching Hujar and Thek's lives, navigating the complexities of their estates and the impact of AIDS on their narratives. Durbin aims to reclaim their stories from the shadows of tragedy, emphasizing their vibrant lives and artistic achievements rather than solely their deaths.

The Guardian

Durbin's work is part of a broader movement to recover and celebrate queer art history. The book serves as a testament to the resilience of Hujar and Thek's legacies, which have seen a resurgence in interest. Exhibitions and screenings, such as those at the Museum of Modern Art and Ortuzar Projects, are helping to re-establish their significance in contemporary art discourse.

The Untold Story of Peter Hujar and Paul Thek’s Intimate—and Complex—Bond

Despite Hujar's posthumous fame, Thek's work remains less recognized, with many of his significant pieces lost or overlooked. Critics argue that the art world has historically marginalized queer artists, and Durbin's biography seeks to address this imbalance by highlighting Thek's contributions alongside Hujar's.

The Untold Story of Peter Hujar and Paul Thek’s Intimate—and Complex—Bond

Durbin expresses a desire for younger generations to engage with the lives of Hujar and Thek, stating, “I would love for them to read this and realize they can make art however they want.” Linda Rosenkrantz, a member of Hujar's inner circle, reflects on the book's impact, noting, “I don’t think I realized how major the relationship [with Thek] was in Peter’s life.”

The Guardian

The release of *The Wonderful World That Almost Was* coincides with several exhibitions dedicated to Hujar and Thek. Notable events include a film program at the Museum of Modern Art, a solo exhibition of Thek's work at Galerie Buchholz, and a group show curated by Durbin at Ortuzar Projects. These initiatives aim to foster a renewed appreciation for their artistic contributions and the cultural context in which they thrived.

The Untold Story of Peter Hujar and Paul Thek’s Intimate—and Complex—Bond

• “The lives of the artists who died of Aids have often been read backwards, through the lens of the disease,” — Andrew Durbin, Author

The Guardian

• “I will love these artists until I die,” — Andrew Durbin, Author

The Guardian

• “I felt strangely relieved and free,” — Peter Hujar, Artist

The Guardian

• “… all we wanted to do, want to do, is also add our names, almost like the lists of names on the tombs for the unknown millions, soldiers, etc, we’d wanted to say I WAS HERE TOO!” — Paul Thek, Artist

The Guardian

Durbin's biography not only honors the legacy of Peter Hujar and Paul Thek but also serves as a crucial reminder of the importance of recognizing and celebrating queer artists in the contemporary art landscape.

The Guardian