‘A Different Light’ by Nicky Alex Ford.

At this time of year, we turn our thoughts to those in our community that have suffered illness or loss through HIV or AIDS.

Since ‘TAY’ the Brighton Aids Memorial was erected in Kemp Town’s New Steine Gardens back in 2009, we have been fortunate to have a memorial that provides a comfort and a recognition of those lost to this terrible disease in our memories.

Romany Mark Bruce’s ‘TAY’ is, in my opinion, one of the most significant statues in our City. Although it was illuminated red three years ago in the snow, this year with the backing of The Sussex Beacon and Romany, it was lit up again in red. Instead of just blending into the background of shops and streetlights, ‘TAY’ caught the eyes of passers-by and made a statement to those who were unaware of the significance of World AIDS Day. The two entwined figures create a heart shape form and look highly appropriate lit in this manner echoing the image of the red ribbons that we wear at this time of year.

I agreed to display a photograph as part of the 100 Artist’s for World AIDS Day exhibition organised by local artist Hizze Fletcher. My immediate thought was to take a photograph of ‘TAY’. As time progressed, I thought it would be great to illuminate the statue in red, thus sharing my vision of ‘TAY’ fittingly lit for this time of year. I entitled the photograph, A Different Light.

I was thrilled to have the support of The Sussex Beacon and their CEO Simon Dowe about my work. They thought it a great idea to illuminate ‘TAY for World AIDS Day 2013. I was invited by The Sussex Beacon to go on BBC Radio Sussex and be interviewed by Sarah Gorrell to discuss my involvement for World AIDS Day offering the fantastic opportunity to raise awareness of HIV/Aids for listeners in Sussex and Surrey.

HIV/Aids awareness is important to me; it does not just affect our community but the World as a whole. If just A Different Light being shone makes one person stop and think about how they can help, whether it be volunteering with a charity such as Terrence Higgins Trust or The Sussex Beacon, expressing themselves creatively or donating much needed funds, then I hope our community will benefit.

In future, I hope that a week prior to World AIDS Day, and a little while after, we can have ‘TAY’ illuminated in red for all to see to help raise awareness annually.

The vigil was extremely well attended with many there for the first time. It was a very moving occasion and a tribute to those we remember. As candles were placed around ‘TAY’s plinth the red light was softened to a warm pink, which did not go unnoticed by people at the vigil.

The ‘100 Artists for World AIDS Day’ exhibition can be seen in the Founders Room at the Brighton Dome, which runs until the December 8. The artwork is for sale, with 20% of all proceeds donated to The Sussex Beacon.