When Art Meets Science with the Mission of Eliminating Breast Cancer Tumors

“Shamanic Tumor Extraction Process” Step 1 – Breast cancer MRI
(Credit:objectbreastcancer.tumbler.com)

We have all heard of the relationship between art and science. In fact, many a book has been written on who actually envisions the future first: art or science? The verdict seems to weigh heavily toward art creating the thoughts via form as a representation of the future, and then science to follow up for mathematically creating the reality.

As some artists grapple with their frustration about the limits of traditional medicine, they explore other possibilities of eliminating breast cancer tumors. The project “Object Breast Cancer” does just that. An artist chose to investigate how a shaman extracts a tumor through representation of their own art process. The intent is to open up future possibilities in how the medical profession approaches tumors.

Step 2 – MRI image is translated into an abstract algorithm-based mesh wire form
(Credit: http://objectbreastcancer.tumblr.com)

Step 3 – Mesh wire form is made into a mold
(Credit: http://objectbreastcancer.tumblr.com)

Step 4 – Final bronze tumor extracted from the cast process
(Credit: http://objectbreastcancer.tumblr.com)

The project “Object Breast Cancer” wrangles with what the artist terms the “invisible monster,” an unseen breast cancer malignancy, since most breast cancer has “no image.” The project addresses the 1.3 million women who are diagnosed each year with breast cancer through art installations, sculpture and jewelry.

Breast cancer tumor necklace to raise awareness
(Credit: http://object-breast-cancer.hostedbywebstore.com)

Society is looking back into old traditions for solutions. A shaman is a person regarded as having the power to heal through means of a ritual that may involve a trance-like state. One project explores this: “Shamanic Tumor Extraction Process” (see images above) is an installation art piece where the shape of a tumor is determined by an MRI, which is then molded in a studio, where artists pour bronze into the mold. It is intended to identify malignant shapes and “cast them out” as a shaman would. This molding process takes place while Guillermo Arevalo and Janice Weil provide traditional Shaman chanting.

Tumors are typically only measured by length, yet the project caused renowned surgeon Dr. Alex Swistel, Associate Professor of Clinical Surgery, to investigate 3-dimensional features of such tumors.