"Art.Rage.Us" Breast Cancer Art Exhibit

Margaret Stanton Murray

Margaret Stanton Murray's life-size nude photograph (left) of herself 5 days after breast surgery moves me tremendously.  A powerful black and white picture of an undaunted Woman commands response from the viewer.  She writes that "Breast cancer has been called ‘the canary in the coal mine'".

The art exhibit is touching, revealing and emotion packed.  So many strong women.  The loving photographs of Denny Hultzapple holding his wife Francoise, pressing his face against her scarred chest.  The portrait of Diana Young and her husband Stephen is equally filled with love.  "...His love and passion for me shine through for others to see. . . This experience has made us stronger and more loving."

[You can order the book "Art.Rage.Us" over the internet  U.K. Visitors can click on Art.Rage.Us ]

Not by design - Ernie, Kathreen and I walked through the exhibit separately.  At one point I found myself hyperventilating and had to go outside.  I was startled and surprised by my reaction.  For the first time I found myself and my feelings validated by artists who had experienced what I had - but I had repressed.  When I returned I saw Kathreen sitting at a table looking at the art book - Art.Rage.Us.  We sat and talked quite a while.   For the first time she understood what I'd gone through - twice.  The problem was me, I guess.  Life is so full and active that I did not express or acknowledge my pain and anger.  I didn't look at my scars for 5 years.  So all Kathreen saw was this "strong" woman/mother.  As my daughter and I talked, I noticed her look of admiration for me and for the other women represented in this show - who represent ALL women with cancer.  After the exhibit Kathreen confided to me that she felt uncomfortable because she had breasts.  How interesting to me since I'd been feeling uncomfortable because I did not have breasts - out in society.  To be honest, I am aware of being breastless, but I still refuse to wear a prosthetic bra.

Later at the hotel, Ernie asked me why I don't wear a prosthetic bra.  "I hate bras.  I've always hated bras!   Why would I wear one now when I have no breasts?"  He pointed out that other women get an odd look on their face and back away when they see my flat chest.   I never noticed.  And if I did, I wouldn't care.  Their problem.   Luckily I work for Tri-Counties Regional Center which provides services for the disabled and they don't care that I wear no bra.  See Breast Cancer Cartoons.   I take this opportunity to thank my husband Ernie for his constant caring and love during both my mastectomies.  And I thank my lovely daughter Kathreen for showing me that I needn't be embarrassed of being breastless.

Another "Cancer Chick" Wears No Prosthesis