Allison May and Cara Cecil: The Archive, a Document of Courage
Artists Statement
Through this body of work, Allison May and Cara Cecil showcase pediatric cancer and reflect on the journey through treatment. It is the artists’ intent to invite you into this series in an intimate way. In doing so, the artists provide the opportunity to create a dialogue through visual storytelling, told from two perspectives. One, of a single mother’s experience caring for her daughter through chemotherapy and radiation. This raw and weighty outlook can resonate directly with those affected by pediatric cancer as well as advance awareness and social change within our community. Two, a friend’s account depicting the details and visceral emotions generated by such a compelling event. In doing so, they hope to create an opportunity for discussion between individuals indirectly involved, viewing from the outside.
The first series of diptychs are photographed by Allison, Ava’s mother. Each image is captured in the same location directly following every chemotherapy infusion. She gave no direction, using only natural light and no editing to echo an organic sentiment to a process that is contrary. The body of work is a direct visual memoir of her own daughter’s perils of pediatric cancer.
The photojournalistic approach taken by Cara, was documented over the entire duration of the treatment, metastatic relapse and victory. A majority are within the four walls of a sterile hospital environment, their pseudo-home for over two years.
Together, these artists offer you a comprehensive archive and powerful overview of visual storytelling, told from two very different perspectives.
The first series of diptychs are photographed by Allison, Ava’s mother. Each image is captured in the same location directly following every chemotherapy infusion. She gave no direction, using only natural light and no editing to echo an organic sentiment to a process that is contrary. The body of work is a direct visual memoir of her own daughter’s perils of pediatric cancer.
The photojournalistic approach taken by Cara, was documented over the entire duration of the treatment, metastatic relapse and victory. A majority are within the four walls of a sterile hospital environment, their pseudo-home for over two years.
Together, these artists offer you a comprehensive archive and powerful overview of visual storytelling, told from two very different perspectives.
Exhibition Images
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