Beautiful Bodies Unbreakable Spirit
Last October, I had the opportunity to work with photographer Tash Damjanovic on an inspiring project, building an art photography book of her work. As we delved into her collection of images, the concept of the book began to extend beyond my expectations, carrying with it a greater mission of depth and social importance.
Titled ‘Beautiful Body, Unbreakable Spirit: Courageous journeys through breast cancer’, this book looks intimately at 7 women united as dragon boat racers, who fought to reclaim their strength and sense of self after battling breast cancer. It is dedicated to the eighth participant who passed away in 2020. The goal for this publication was to create an art book that would explore the sensitivity of this topic beyond language, to create a supportive visual narrative to be shared in alliance with those contending with a similar diagnosis while providing a message of surmounting hope.
Commissioned by Anita Canada (Since 1886), this book honours the survivors who inspired their line of lingerie for post-op breast cancer survivors. Humbled and impassioned by the task, Tash was determined to create an impactful piece that showcased the enduring duality of these women’s experiences, for others and especially for the subjects themselves.
Divided in 2 parts, ‘Beautiful Body’ (part 1) portrays the women individually in lingerie, vulnerable yet emboldened. As a photographer, creating a trusting atmosphere is paramount. In every shot, this positive radiance is palpable and shows an intrinsic playfulness that lives in all who seek to find it. ‘Unbreakable Spirit’ (part 2) defines another reigning side of femininity, one of durability and endurance. Captured in motion, these group shots bring these women together, truly all in the same boat, paddling forward, as if in an out-of-body ecstasy and appreciation for life.
To accompany the book, questions were posed to each dragon boat paddler investigating their personal perspectives. Presented with the photos, these share raw states of mind with those compelling inspirational moments that redeem our human nature under duress.
These journeys are unique while extending universally considering one in eight women are personally affected by breast cancer. The 92- page hardcover book has acquired notable attention with a forward written by two time Canadian Gold Medalist Cheryl Pounder and seen on several commercial platforms such as CBC, CBC radio Canada, CP24 Breakfast television, the Globe and Mail, Fashion Canada, Marquee Magazine and Divine Dot Ca. Last but not least, the collection won second place in a competing category for the International Photography Awards 2021.
This was an incredible journey of progress to witness. A wholehearted congratulations to all those involved.
Art and it’s process truly does have the capacity to show us our limitations and help us look beyond them.