Ron Athey

Ron Athey (born December 19, 1961) is an American performance artist known for his challenging and often controversial work that explores themes of AIDS, religion, sexuality, trauma, and identity. A central figure in the performance art and queer art scenes, particularly during the 1990s culture wars, Athey's performances often involve elements of body modification, piercing, cutting, and bloodletting.

Athey's artistic practice is informed by his personal experiences, including his upbringing in a Pentecostal church and his experiences as a gay man living through the AIDS epidemic. His work aims to confront audiences with uncomfortable truths and to challenge conventional notions of beauty, morality, and the body.

Some of Athey's notable works include Four Scenes in a Harsh Life (1994), which became the subject of intense public scrutiny and debate due to inaccurate media reports alleging the intentional spread of HIV through bloodletting; Deliverance (1995), a performance exploring themes of religious ritual and purification; and Solar Anus (1998), inspired by the writings of Georges Bataille.

Athey has collaborated with other artists, including Catherine Opie and Vaginal Davis. His work has been exhibited and performed at venues around the world, including the Institute of Contemporary Arts in London and the Centre Pompidou in Paris. He has received grants and awards for his work.

Athey's performances are often cited as examples of body art, performance art, and queer art. His work continues to provoke discussion and debate about the role of art in addressing social and political issues. He is considered a significant and influential figure in contemporary performance art.