It is not often that an artist is able to unite the past, the present and the entire world in their work. Robert Farber did. Farber’s art will debut at the Museum of Contemporary Religious Art (MOCRA) this Saturday.

Farber is a native of New York who turned to art in 1985, only a decade before his death. He used mixed media in his art, including wire, marble and wood.

According to Terrence Dempsey, S.J., MOCRA director, Farber’s Self Portrait (1988) depicts the isolation and fear he experienced as a result of his homosexuality.

In 1989, Farber learned that he was infected with the HIV virus. He used his diagnosis as a theme and motivation for his art.

The Western Blot series (1991-1994) is his reflection on the AIDS epidemic. In his work, Farber ties the medieval plague “black death” with AIDS. “Farber is trying to alert us to do something about the AIDS epidemic,” Dempsey said. “It’s important for us to take on issues like this that affect millions of people.”

The last piece of Farber’s work on display is Fly Away (1995). “This piece gives a sense of hope and peace,” Dempsey said.

This display, Robert Farber: A Retrospective, 1985-1995, has been featured at several other universities, such as Brandeis University and the University of Southern California. Two pieces have been donated to MOCRA. Alter #1 (1990) is a gold-painted alter with a black and white photo of a vaccine bottle in the center. Western Blot #13 (1992) is a wooden cross that includes series photographs of AIDS treatment.

The opening reception is 5-7 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 18. The display will be featured through Jan. 28, 2001. An exhibition catalog is available for sale with all proceeds given to the AIDS Foundation of St. Louis.