PrEPñata

PrEPñata stands as an immersive installation comprising over a hundred vibrant piñatas, collectively mirroring the form of a pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) pill. PrEP, a medication safeguarding individuals from potential exposure to disease-causing agents, takes a crucial role in HIV prevention. Notably, Truvada remains the recommended PrEP for averting HIV infections, yielding a remarkable 92-99% reduction in HIV risk when taken consistently.

Within the tapestry of this installation, a poignant connection surfaces with the Latinx community, much like other communities facing a disproportionate impact of HIV. Between 2010 and 2014, instances of diagnosis among Hispanic/Latinx gay and bisexual men escalated by 13%, drawing attention to an evolving concern. As of 2016's culmination, estimates projected around 235,600 Hispanics/Latinx were living with HIV, with 17% of these cases remaining undiagnosed. Notably, 2015 witnessed 135 new HIV diagnoses in New Mexico, signaling the potential for significant change through enhanced education and accessible healthcare avenues.

These PrEPñatas, meticulously crafted from papier-mâché, assume symbolic significance. Over time, as our community embraces a more open and informed dialogue about sexual health and preventive measures, this installation will gradually diminish in scale. Its transformation mirrors the envisioned decline in new HIV infections across New Mexico, where awareness and empowerment, aim to curtail new diagnoses and shape a healthier, more resilient tomorrow.