Jonathan Haner

'Portrait: An exhibition about cancer & people'

The exhibition consists of fourteen portraits created between 2005 and 2008. From a distance, the portraits look fairly normal. However, as you approach them, you begin to see the smaller images emerging as micro-components of the whole. Each portrait is based on a different theme related to cancer. Cancer is a multi-faceted topic, so we in no way claim to have covered every aspect but we do hope that the portraits contribute something to the conversation. The people portrayed in the portraits are patients, relatives, doctors and scientists - all who have had personal experience with cancer.

The artwork attempts to combine scientific and medical research with human experience and emotion. Our hope is that it will reflect some fragments of what the patients, researchers and associates have shared with us along the way.

Cancer will affect one in three Swedes at some point in their lifetimes. It is a widespread disease which many people have had personal experiences with. Difficult situations can awaken both big and small questions. This exhibition attempts to create a space for these thoughts and the feelings that may surround them. Ultimately, it is about the kind of health care that is available – and the kind of health care that we want.

The exhibition is a collaboration between artists Jonathan Haner & Teresa Holmberg, Skåne Oncology Clinic and Lund University Hospital (Mef Nilbert, Christina Carlson, and Carsten Rose) and BIPP (a patient perspective group).

More information about the portraits can be found in the exhibition catalogue.