MANILA, Philippines - The HIV epidemic in the Philippines has been described as “explosive” because of the rapid increase in the number of new HIV cases in the country. This is the challenge that Project Headshot Clinic addresses by using social media and photography to call attention to the growing challenge of HIV.
Project Headshot Clinic is a digital media platform that merges stylized profile photos and advocacies. Created in 2007 by award-winning photographer Niccolo Cosme, it has supported advocacy campaigns on HIV awareness, climate change, LGBT rights, youth empowerment, and anti-tobacco companies.
“Transform” is Project Headshot Clinic’s 8th World AIDS Day series in partnership with UNAIDS and SHIP Foundation. The exhibit will be launched on Dec. 3, 7 p.m., at Pineapple Lab, and will run through Dec. 19. This year’s exhibit will provide a new multimedia experience that merges photography, video, and performance that will require a free mobile-augmented reality app called “Ismartphoto.” The photos that will be showcased will transform into a video with the use of this free mobile app.
Collaboration and transformation
The show aims to highlight the importance of collaboration, and that transformation of a society can be achieved through partnership and commitment. While government action and support are important, the actions of individuals and their communities are essential for behavior change that can make a dent in the HIV epidemic. And social media can bring together individuals, communities, and government leaders in a transformative discussion on addressing the challenge of HIV. Some of the collaborators include Tim Yap, Irma Adlawan, Anthony Falcon, Alex Medina, model and host Joey Mead, Marina Benipayo, award-winning film director Pepe Diokno, and paper sculptor Royd Santiago, to name a few.
The first Project Headshot Clinic series on HIV started in 2008 when writer Wanggo Gallaga came out to founder Niccolo Cosme about his HIV status. Gallaga had then been recently diagnosed, and Niccolo asked him if he wanted to collaborate and do the first-ever Headshot Clinic series on HIV for World AIDS Day 2008. It has since become a yearly personal project with continued partnership with UNAIDS (United Nations Joint Programme on HIV and AIDS).
Taking advocacy to a whole new level, Headshot Clinic “Transform” is partnering with top designers Francis Libiran, Albert Andrada, Nat Manilag, John Herrera and Norman San Diego for a one-of-a-kind Fashion Art Installation.
Everyone is invited to view this innovative and transformative exhibit. For more information, visit www.headshotclinic.com. Transform is made possible by 2GO Travel, Maldita, MAC cosmetics, Hooch, Persia Grill, Pineapple Lab, and SneakClip.