8/9/2019 Visual Aid / SF Public Library Statement.

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Visual Aid PresentsHedgehog Boy: A Graphic Novel by Rene Capone

In his work, San Francisco artist Rene Capone creates a world where boysbecome avatars--taking on the characteristics of animals and transforming theiridentities both physically and spiritually. In this exhibition of pen and inkillustrations for his first graphic novel, The Legend of Hedgehog Boy, Caponeappropriates and humorously references traditional Japanese comics.Dynamically integrating image and text, Capone tells a story of an abused childwho rejects the role of victim and enters an alternate reality where he sets off ona dangerous adventure of revenge, self discovery, and ultimately love andredemption.

I wanted to create an unapologetically queer graphic novel, one with emotionaldepth. Although it made me entirely uncomfortable, I started writing this storyfrom my own experiences, and worked outwards from there. If this book can live

up to its potential, I believe it can give boys the courage to stand up and be proudof where they come from, instead of being ashamed.

At heart the novel is a love story, but beyond that it is a story that is not afraid toquestion the world and the idea of hope. My characters explain or justify thesexuality that surrounds them. Love and sex are complicated enough withoutreinforcing internal conflict over same-gender crushes. So in their universe, theydont question being queer, they simply just are. I think of this graphic novel as

my love letter to any lost gay boy who needs a friend. I hope he stumblesupon it when he needs it the most.

This exhibition was curated by Jared Ledesma, from Visual Aids X-Team.

Visual Aid, a non-profit arts organization, was founded twenty years ago to serveartists affected by the HIV/AIDS crisis. Since then, the organization hasexpanded tohelp produce, present and preserve the work of professional, visualartists in need, those whose careers are challenged because of any life-threatening illness.