Pepe Espaliú

One of Espaliú's later works utilizing cages, a visual motif in the years leading up to his death. José Gonzalez Espaliú (Pepe Espaliú) (October 26, 1955 – November 2, 1993) was a Spanish artist and activist, best known for his performative and conceptual pieces. He received an AIDS diagnosis in 1990, which influenced him to focus his art on the marginalization and suffering endured by himself and others with AIDS. Espaliú, a gay man, moved to Barcelona in the early 1970s at the tail-end of the dictatorship of Francisco Franco in search of a more welcoming social environment. The performance took place over the course of eight days on the grounds of the Museum Arnhem in the town of Arnhem, Netherlands. On the final day of the performance, Espaliú undressed to complete nudity. Para asesinar una risa (1986) and La lealtad del verdugo (1986) are two examples of Espaliú paintings that feature the face and examine its role as "an expression of identity," a theme which, in addition to tortured identity and masking, the artist was known to explore. he discusses the discrimination faced by the gay community and those living with AIDS in Spain at the time of publication in 1992.

Reception

Exhibitions During Espaliú's lifetime, his work was exhibited throughout Spain, as well as in Paris, New York, and Amsterdam.

Legacy of activism Espaliú is known for openly speaking about his struggle with AIDS, and for "openly incorporating gay culture from the clandestine,"