Canadian Artist and AIDS Activist Joe Average Passes Away at Age 67
**Joe Average: A Legacy of Art, Advocacy, and Inspiration**
Joe Average, the celebrated Canadian Pop artist and activist whose colorful and expressive works celebrated life, hope, and inclusivity, passed away on December 24, 2022, at the age of 67. Known for his vibrant art and tireless advocacy for people living with HIV/AIDS and LGBTQ+ rights, Joe Average was an iconic figure whose legacy resonates far beyond the canvas.
### Early Life and the Birth of “Joe Average”
Born Brock David Tebbutt on October 10, 1957, in Victoria, British Columbia, Joe Average adopted his memorable pseudonym at the age of 19. The name emerged during a lighthearted night with friends and served as a humble yet bold proclamation of his identity. “I’m 5-8, I’m average-looking, got a C average in school. I thought, ‘This is perfect!’” Average shared in an interview with *Vancouver Sun* in 2017. This name reflected his approachable and spirited personality, while his work would go on to prove he was anything but “average.”
### Life-Changing Diagnosis and Artistic Awakening
In 1985, at just 27 years old, Joe Average received an HIV diagnosis. At the time, the prognosis for people with HIV was uncertain, with many expecting only a few years to live. Average, however, adopted an indomitable spirit, famously choosing to focus on a future filled with possibilities. “I said: ‘I’ll choose forever,’” he recalled in a 2005 interview. This turning point ignited Average’s full commitment to his art—a passion he turned into both a livelihood and a means of advocacy.
### Artistic Style and Impact
Joe Average’s art is instantly recognizable, characterized by its bold colors, symmetrical designs, and uplifting energy. Drawing inspiration from First Nations art and the pop culture movements of Andy Warhol, Roy Lichtenstein, and Peter Max, his works frequently featured people, animals, insects, flowers, and everyday items. His art bridged joy and advocacy, highlighting beauty while raising awareness and funds for causes close to his heart.
Although some of his works directly addressed his experience with HIV, such as “My Thinking Cap (Life with HIV)” and “Ray of Hope,” most pieces reflected his optimistic outlook. “My images aren’t so much AIDS-related,” he explained, “they’re more about how the child in me wants to see the world: happy and with love.”
One of his most famous pieces, “One World, One Hope,” was commissioned for the Eleventh International Conference on AIDS. Its transformative impact extended to being featured on Canada’s first HIV/AIDS awareness stamp in 1996. In 2021, the artwork was revisited as a large-scale mural in Vancouver, symbolizing the global fight against AIDS and honoring the journey of those affected.
### Advocating for Awareness and Equality
Beyond art, Joe Average was a fierce advocate for the LGBTQ+ community and those living with HIV/AIDS. Throughout his life, he openly discussed his own experiences with HIV to combat stigma and educate others. His public image was a source of hope for many, encouraging acceptance, resilience, and celebration in the face of adversity.
His activism extended to collaborative efforts, such as murals, outreach projects, and fundraisers aimed at advancing social causes. His advocacy work earned him numerous accolades, including a civic proclamation of “Joe Average Day” in Vancouver on November 3, 2002, and the prestigious Order of Canada, awarded just days before his passing.
### Joe Average’s Legacy
Joe Average’s enduring legacy lives on in his breathtaking art and the countless lives he touched through activism, compassion, and creativity. He is remembered not only for his kaleidoscopic works of happiness and hope but also for his personal journey of transcending life’s challenges.
Described by his sister Karin Tebbutt Cope Carson as someone who helped “change how people viewed living with HIV,” Average’s contributions to art and humanity are timeless. “His art, with its bright colors, brings a smile to my heart and soul,” she said. For the millions who were inspired by his story and artistry, Joe Average’s impact is immeasurable.
As Joe Average’s life reminds us, art can serve as both a reflection of the world we live in and a beacon for the world we hope to create—one filled with acceptance, solidarity, and love. His contributions as an artist and advocate will continue to inspire generations to come. Without question, Joe Average was far more extraordinary than his chosen name suggests.