Why art is significant in October
October is breast cancer awareness month and during this time, many of us remind ourselves of how we can raise awareness and care for ourselves and our loved ones living with breast cancer.
If you, or someone you love has been impacted by breast cancer, please utilise the resources at the bottom of this article.
Art has been used as a way for people to express their experience with breast cancer. Carole Ellis, who is a survivor, was commissioned by a radiologist in Nottingham Hospital to portray her experience with breast cancer on a canvas. In turn she created a collection of work called ‘Breast or Beast’. Carole talks to the Art Council about her intention to add fluidity and colour to those living with breast cancer. She wanted to shine a light on those who live with it and the beauty they still hold within. Below is a painting by Ellis named Catherine, she depicts the colours of a friend who did not win her fight. The painting captures life and beauty in the teals and lilacs, Ellis delicately composes the colours as a tribute to her late friend and this really shines through in her work.
Catherine - Carole Ellis. A painting dedicated to her friend
https://www.bcawarenessart.uk/photo_17102880.html#photos_id=17102882
The earliest forms of art that have referenced breast cancer in modern research, date back to the 16th century. Michele di Rodolfo’s, The Night and Maso da San Friano’s The Allegory of Fortitude, depict women with signs of breast cancer. One might speculate that both Rodolfo and Friano’s paintings are masculine in nature and might question the credibility of its representation of women. This would be a sound observation due to the inspiration Rodolfo took from Michealangelo’s sculptural work when painting The Night, which would explain the masculine torso, arms and legs. This is speculated as a common practice for artists during the Renaissance period to use male models and simply paint female faces and breasts into the art. However, with the vast amount of females in art during the renaissance period, this is merely a speculation nevertheless an interesting observation.
From the research we have today, the earliest findings of breast cancer research came from Abu al Qasim al Zahwari, also known as Albucasis. He revolutionised surgery in the 10th century, this included understanding the removal of breast cancer, although he was never able to save lives, his work aided in the development of mastectomies going forward. During the 16th century, Barthélémy Cabrol, a french surgeon began his work on tumours in the breast and understanding mastectomies in further detail. This was around the same time The Night and The Allegory of Fortitude were painted. It is important to note that this was still an under-explored area of medicine for many reasons, such as the risk of taking away symbols of femininity and fertility, and therefore we do not see masses of art in history representing this kind of illness in depth. This has changed in the last century as women across the world have changed the culture of breast tumour removal and in turn, encompassed a power and confidence in women.
Art is now a form of empowerment for those living with breast cancer. Many charities encourage art as a form of peace and therapy. Diana Barnes, a survivor herself, carries out a study on how art has helped those living with it. Barnes refers to art as providing the feeling of control and understanding of what each person is going through. This message is echoed throughout the entire community.
Today, we see communities and charities welcome creativity and art to vocalise their experiences. Coppafeel is a charity renowned for its creative ways of raising awareness for the early signs of breast cancer. Kris Hallenga, and her twin sister Maren have worked tirelessly to create a world where checking our own bodies becomes the norm. This charity uses art, creativity and a large number of ways to raise awareness and support those living with breast cancer. Social media platforms such as Instagram have been a great way for people to connect through their experiences. Pages like @breastcancerartproject are an expressive way for individuals to tell their story and use their voice in a unique way.
If you or someone you know has been impacted by breast cancer - please use the resources below for support.
Useful resources
Coppafeel - https://coppafeel.org
Macmillan Support - https://www.macmillan.org.uk/cancer-information-and-support/breast-cancer
Breast Cancer Now - https://breastcancernow.org
Credits to:
Carole Ellis - Catherine: https://www.bcawarenessart.uk/photo_17102880.html#photos_id=17102882
Diana Barnes Study: How Women Use Art and Art Therapy to Cope With Breast Cancer: A Systematic Exploration of Published Literature: https://digitalcommons.lmu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?referer=&httpsredir=1&article=1152&context=etd#:~:text=Art%20therapy%20can%20be%20used,in%20a%20non%2D%20verbal%20way.
Vittoria Traversa - Found: The Earliest Depiction of Breast Cancer, in Renaissance Paintings: https://www.atlasobscura.com/articles/breast-cancer-renaissance-paintings
Reclining Nymph: Androgynous figures in Renaissance art: https://barber.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/11.-Reclining-Nymph-transcript-28.07.pdf
