PRESS RELEASE
«Pink October»
Group art exhibition for breast cancer prevention
The House of MANA
October 2 – 31 2024
Kanella Arapoglou, Amalia Vekri, Alexandros Georgiou, Georgia Theologou, Stella Kapezanou, Aristidis Lappas, Poka-Yio, Sevina Tzanou, Katerina Tsiledaki, Tolis Tatolas, Dionysis Christofilogiannis
Curated by: Alexandros Kassandrinos
“I was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2016. It was Grade III, dangerous. I underwent chemotherapy, radiotherapy… it was an eight-month period that was difficult, brutal, but then I began to regain my strength. All of this stops your continuity, it violently stops what you were doing. In other words, you have to stop. And it changes you a lot. For me, it brought me more into the ‘now,’ into ‘today,’ it connected me with the world around me and made me feel more human. Before you go through this, you believe you’re young, that you can do everything, anything, perfectly, quickly, fantastically… This shows you that you are human, that you need to rely on others, that you’re a part of a community, a group, and I believe it gave me some good things. I saw what it’s like to survive through the rubble. I saw what it’s like to fight and come out victorious. I saw what it’s like to find allies who stand by you in your struggle. And I saw what it’s like for hope to be reborn for a new life. Of course, I wouldn’t wish this on anyone. I wouldn’t want anyone to go through this to reach these positive outcomes, certainly not. I just want to say that it changed me, I’m a different person, a better one.” (testimony of F.X.).
The Non-Profit Organisation MANA approaches breast cancer through the eyes of eleven artists and their works, conveying a strong message, in a group exhibition that will take place from October 2nd to October 31st, at the House of MANA. The House of MANA provides care services to cancer patients having as main objective to overcome and reconnect again to the positive side of life before the diagnosis. Transforming the space into an art space not only to raise awareness, but also to pass the message of offering, support, inspiration and hope.
In Greece, approximately 4,500 new cases of breast cancer are reported every year, while it is estimated that 1 in 8 women globally will develop breast cancer at some point in their lives.
October has been established as the month for breast cancer awareness and prevention. The prevention of the disease is not only linked to a system of preventive medical examinations but also to a redefinition of our existence, usually unnoticed, in which art contributes more effectively than any other spiritual activity.
Regarding the exhibition, the Founder of MANA, Mrs. Randa Ghandour states: “We are very happy and excited to be hosting, at the House of MANA, for the first time in Greece, the art exhibition ‘Pink October’. According to data from dozens of studies worldwide, art contributes positively to the fight against cancer, reducing physical and emotional fatigue, while enhancing feelings of satisfaction and pleasure that stem from beauty and aesthetics. Our timeless mission is to support women and contribute to their positive psychology. Let us, therefore, honor this year’s October ‘Breast Cancer Awareness Month’ by inviting everyone to admire the outstanding works of our artists up close and to experience firsthand what it means to give hope to someone’s life.”
A collection of visual artworks, by eleven artists, puts us face to face with the reality of the disease as an existential issue. Each work seems to act as a doorway, through which the viewer enters a solid experiential space with references to the threatening consequences of the disease while at the same time aiming to raise public awareness about cancer.
The artists are Kanella Arapoglou, Amalia Vekri, Alexandros Georgiou, Georgia Theologou, Stella Kapezanou, Aristidis Lappas, Poka-Yio, Sevina Tzanou, Katerina Tsiledaki, Tolis Tatolas, Dionysis Christofilogiannis.
The exhibition is curated by Alexandros Kassandrinos.
Part of the proceeds from the sales of the artworks will be donated to the House of MANA.
Exhibition opening: October 2, 2024 from 19:00 until 22:00, The House of MANA, Rigillis 10 – Athens
Exhibition duration: From the 2nd to the 31st of October 2024
Visiting hours: Mondays and Wednesdays 5pm-8pm – Saturdays and Sundays 11am-5pm
Communication: communication lab
