This Bachelor’s project, created in collaboration with the Swiss Aids Federation, focuses on the social achievements related to HIV/Aids. It consists of two parts: a series of illustrations that visualise the key developments and perspectives regarding HIV/Aids, and a large-scale textile object that tells the story woven into a fabric. While the outside of the textile object depicts important milestones in the history of HIV/Aids in Switzerland, the inside creates an intimate space for personal reflection and questions.
Inspired by the tradition of Aids quilts, the project combines illustration, text and fabric into a holistic form of communication and encourages us to take a fresh look at social change, memory and solidarity.
«Rather than merely documenting content visually, we have created an immersive object which is in equal parts a memorial, a space for discourse and a place for emotional experience. The textile approach – inspired by Aids quilts – gives the work a haptic and physical quality rarely achieved by classic illustrations.» – Cecilia Batista & Stella Scagliola
«This courageous and independent work is impressive in its personal commitment to explore a socially relevant topic and remembrance culture in-depth through design. Cecilia and Stella have immersed themselves deeply in their subject matter and created two intelligent, impactful projects – relevant contributions that make us aware of the existence and history of HIV while challenging our attitudes. Their highly thoughtful yet practical approach, excellent teamwork and great care in communicating sensitive content are particularly noteworthy.» – Excerpt supporting statement of the Subject Area Knowledge Visualization
«The common thread that runs through the entire project, both symbolically and materially, connects visual and textual levels in a poetic way. The project is also strongly context-related: it was developed in close collaboration with the Swiss Aids Federation, inspired by real stories and conceived as a contribution to the anniversary gala at the Swiss National Museum.» – Cecilia Batista & Stella Scagliola
«My aim is to bring topics to the fore that receive too little attention in public discourse. Using visual means, I would like to encourage reflection and open up new approaches to social issues.» – Cecilia Batista
«In future, I would like to continue as a designer exactly where this Bachelor’s project ends – by using different media to visually communicate complex social and medical topics and reveal hidden connections.» – Stella Scagliola