Index Study (red)

Moore was a Surrealist-inspired painter dedicated to addressing environmental issues. He turned to themes of healthcare, homophobia, and politics after learning he was HIV positive in 1985. Painted the year before he died of AIDS, this work demonstrates his ability to move between microcosm and macrocosm. It shows a furry paw, insect and frog legs, and human fingers with painted nails emerging from DNA strands. The DNA bases at the top reappear in abbreviated form throughout. Although HIV contains RNA, not DNA, it does incorporate into DNA, inserting its own sequence into the human genome. Presented with insect and frog legs against a blood-red ground, Moore brings together multiple processes of metamorphosis and mutation.

Moore was instrumental in launching the artist-activist organization Visual AIDS and the Red Ribbon Project, an international symbol of AIDS awareness.