David Kirby’s photo that changed face of AIDS

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Use of pictures in ad campaign

Here’s the Benetton ad that came out few years back and created a lot of stir.

David Kirby with family in Benetton ad

Here’s the original picture taken by Therese Frare . Had this been done today in the age of facebook and internet it would have been doing significant rounds. Surely it did create a lot of stir, controversy and questions of usage of image. The complete essay and story behind the picture is here

David Kirby on his deathbed,1990 .Picture by Therese Frare

It’s a very strong picture and disturbing photo essay .

I found about this picture and its story while checking out Benetton’s press ads . In the past they have done some controversial stuff and I wanted to see them all. I like what they do and am hoping the intention of doing so is not to aim for profit but to create awareness. In case of David Kirby’s photographed, further research would suggest his mother allowed for the picture to be used by company so it can inform the world about David’s illness due to AIDS. The image won World Press Photo award in 1991

Here’s a more recent campaign by Bennetton ( great photoshop work)