Close to the Knives is a collection of essays and autobiographical writings by American artist and writer David Wojnarowicz, first published in 1991. The book is a visceral and passionate exploration of Wojnarowicz's life, work, and activism, as well as a searing critique of social and political structures that perpetuate inequality and oppression.
Through a series of powerful essays, Wojnarowicz documents his experiences as a queer artist in New York City during the 1980s, a time marked by the AIDS epidemic, political conservatism, and cultural warfare. He writes about his own experiences with HIV/AIDS and the loss of friends and loved ones to the disease. He also reflects on his work as an artist and activist, including his participation in the ACT UP movement and his use of art as a means of political and social critique.
Close to the Knives is a fearless and deeply personal exploration of Wojnarowicz's life and the world around him. It is a testament to his commitment to social justice, his belief in the power of art to effect change, and his unwavering determination to speak truth to power.