Fleeting Glimpses

A photo journey of a breast cancer survivor

PHOTOGRAPHY: KARINA TUROK

ARTIST: KAREN STEWART

This series of documentary photographs tracks the story of years of treatment and the psychological transformation, as well as the emotional and physical highs and lows, following a breast cancer diagnosis.

The work is playful, humorous, tragic, and head-on; deliberately moving beyond the medicalised, objectified body. Instead, the images focus on Karen’s lived experience. While the subject matter is serious, the work engages the healing process with creativity and positivity; adding empowering imagery to the cancer narrative.

The intention is to honour the complexity of survival and to heighten awareness of the realities of cancer treatment; offering comfort and recognition to those who feel isolated. While these are portraits of one person, we hope others may identify with these portraits of life with cancer, finding empathy and even perhaps seeing themselves reflected. The photographic narrative brings to light the often hidden and intimate experience of our human capacity to endure and heal.

Karina adds her light touch and incredible eye and deep knowing of what needs to happen in the fleeting moment. Karen’s approach is in the power of her vulnerability, stripping down to a brave strength, and exposing the feisty fury of her rage. The work helped Karen heal, reflect, absorb and finally to accept what had happened, emerging less angry, less weak and less vulnerable.

We are very grateful to the community that supported our work:

• The Town Cryers Whatsapp group;
• C-sisters – Stefania Johnson, Janine Stephen, Karen Dalimore, Jeanne Hoffman;
• Marli van Wyk (Punch for Pink);
• Heidi Erdmann and the Cape Town Photography Festival;
• Cape Breast Care – Dr Irene Boeddinghaus (Breast Cancer Oncologist);
• Arya Stana Bone & Breast Care – Dr Sumi Padayachee (Interventional Breast Radiologist)

Exhibition runs from 3 September for the month of photography to 31 October. 

Contact: Karen Stewart studio@karen-stewart.co.za