Derek Jarman Quotes

A collection of quotes by Derek Jarman.

Derek Jarman was an influential British artist, filmmaker, writer, and activist, known for his unique artistic vision and outspoken activism. Born on January 31, 1942, in Northwood, Middlesex, England, Jarman attended the Slade School of Fine Art in London, where he developed his talents as a painter.

In the early 1970s, Jarman began delving into the world of filmmaking, creating experimental and visually stunning works that challenged conventions and explored political and social themes. Some of his notable films include "Sebastiane" (1976), "Jubilee" (1977), and "Caravaggio" (1986). Through his films, Jarman often tackled issues of sexuality, HIV/AIDS, and queer rights in a time when these topics were still highly stigmatized.

Aside from his filmmaking career, Jarman was renowned for his literary works, including poetry collections, memoirs, and his critically acclaimed book "Chroma: A Book of Color" (1994). Throughout his life, he openly discussed his experiences as a gay man and the challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ community, becoming an important figure in the fight against prejudice and discrimination.

Jarman was diagnosed with HIV in 1986 and later with AIDS-related complications. Despite his deteriorating health, he continued to create and advocate for LGBTQ+ rights until his death on February 19, 1994, in London. Today, Derek Jarman is remembered as an influential figure in the realms of art, film, and activism, leaving behind a powerful legacy of creativity and social change.

I wouldn't wish the eighties on anyone, it was the time when

I wouldn't wish the eighties on anyone, it was the time when all that was rotten bubbled to the surface. If you were not at the receiving end of this mayhem you could be unaware of it. It was possible to live through the decade preoccupied by the mortgage and the pence you saved on your income tax. It was also possible for those of us who saw what was happening to turn our eyes in a different direction; but what, in another decade, had been a trip to the clap clinic was now a trip to the mortuary.

Twentieth Century

The slow-witted approach to the HIV epidemic was the result

The slow-witted approach to the HIV epidemic was the result of a thousand years of Christian malpractice and the childlike approach of the church to sexuality. If any single man was responsible, it was Augustine of Hippo who murdered his way to sainthood spouting on about the sins located in his genitals.

Aids

These names: gay, queer, homosexual are limiting. I would lo

These names: gay, queer, homosexual are limiting. I would love to finish with them. We're going to have to decide which terms to use and where we use them. For me to use the word queer is a liberation; it was a word that frightened me, but no longer.

Identity

Understand that sexuality is as wide as the sea. Understand

Understand that sexuality is as wide as the sea. Understand that your morality is not law. Understand that we are you. Understand that if we decide to have sex whether safe, safer, or unsafe, it is our decision and you have no rights in our lovemaking.

Sex

One of the joys our technological civilization has lost is t

One of the joys our technological civilization has lost is the excitement with which seasonal flowers and fruits were welcomed; the first daffodil, strawberry or cherry are now things of the past, along with their precious moment of arrival. Even the tangerine -- now a satsuma or clementine -- appears de-pipped months before Christmas.

Seasons

An orgasm joins you to the past. Its timelessness becomes th

An orgasm joins you to the past. Its timelessness becomes the brotherhood; the brethren are lovers; they extend the family. I share that sexuality. It was then, is now and will be in the future.

Sex

All men are homosexual, some turn straight. It must be very

All men are homosexual, some turn straight. It must be very odd to be a straight man because your sexuality is hopelessly defensive. It's like an ideal of racial purity.

Men

I'm not afraid of death but I am afraid of dying. Pain can b

I'm not afraid of death but I am afraid of dying. Pain can be alleviated by morphine but the pain of social ostracism cannot be taken away.

Death

The preserve of ambition and folly in pursuit of illusion, o

The preserve of ambition and folly in pursuit of illusion, or delusion.

Film / Filmmaking / Movies