THE BLOSSOMING: A PAINTING 77 MILLION YEARS IN THE MAKING…

Science Week | 10th - 17th November 2024 | Dundrum Shopping Centre

The All-Island Cancer Research Institute (AICRI) proudly hosted The Blossoming exhibition at Dundrum Town Centre during Science Week 2024. This event marked a unique collaboration between AICRI and acclaimed Irish artist Vincent Devine. Known for his ability to translate complex ideas into compelling visual narratives, Devine worked closely with cancer researchers and patient advocates to create an exhibition that embodied the transformative power of cancer research. His past works, including the celebrated portrait of Vicky Phelan, established him as a leading figure in merging storytelling, resilience, and the human experience through art.

A Celebration of Regeneration

Regeneration, the theme of Science Week 2024, was central to the exhibition. Each of Vincent Devine’s paintings illustrated renewal, progress, and collaboration, inviting viewers to reflect on how cancer research evolves. These works provided a lens to explore the continuous cycles of discovery, treatment, and care, offering new insights into biology and the advancements paving the way for improved patient outcomes.

Three Paintings, One Vision

At the heart of the exhibition were three remarkable paintings. Our goal was to foster connection and dialogue, inspire reflection and hope, and make cancer research more accessible to diverse audiences. By blending intricate storytelling with scientific advancements, The Blossoming created a space where patients, researchers, and the public could engage, reflect, and connect with the past, present, and future of cancer research. This exhibition demonstrated how interdisciplinary collaborations can make science more relatable and engaging, enhancing public understanding and appreciation.

The Blossoming: This triptych explored cancer research’s journey through time, past, present, and future.

Panel 1: The Past
The first panel explores the initial chaos of a cancer diagnosis, with volcanic imagery symbolising the uncontrollable growth of the disease. Mountains pay tribute to pioneers like Dr. Denis Burkitt and Dr. Moya Cole, who laid the foundations for modern cancer research. An African child reaching for high-hanging fruit represents humanity's early challenges in understanding and treating cancer, with a hexagon as a stepping stone signifying the role of chemistry in drug development. A dolmen reflects the cycle of life, while a werewolf symbolises cancer’s abnormal, hybrid nature. Fossils and birds connect the origins of cancer to our evolutionary history, with a nod to a 77-million-year-old dinosaur diagnosed with osteosarcoma. This panel honours the courage and resilience of those who first ventured into the unknown.

Panel 2: The Present
In brighter colours, the middle panel represents the blossoming hope and progress driven by collaboration in cancer research. At its centre, the Tree of Cooperation (Crann Comhair) symbolises unity and innovation, with intertwining branches representing prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. The tree’s fruits reflect the diversity of modern therapies, while the Ogham word for hope is etched into its trunk. Symbols like a bat, dragon, and hummingbird highlight breakthroughs in prevention, balance in treatment, and resilience in patient advocacy. A murmuration of starlings embodies the strength of support groups, and Venus flytraps signify the precision of targeted therapies. This panel celebrates the dynamic interplay of science, humanity, and progress.

Panel 3: The Future
The future panel depicts an open landscape of possibility, with a bright Morning Star shining as a symbol of hope and guidance. Flowing streams represent increasing order and clarity in cancer prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Unfinished feet walking into the distance symbolise the ongoing journey of scientific discovery, with intricate vasculature highlighting advancements in biochip technology and metastasis research. The blank horizon invites reflection on the boundless potential of future innovations. This panel embodies the promise of collaboration, creativity, and resilience in shaping a brighter future.

Nexus: This painting connected the Earth’s ancient past to a speculative future, highlighting cancer’s origins while envisioning breakthroughs that continue to regenerate understanding and care. The intricate details underscored the resilience of life and the boundless potential of scientific ingenuity.

Crann Comhair: This piece symbolised Ireland’s pivotal role in uniting cancer research across borders. A tree at the center extended its protective branches, celebrating cross-border collaboration, patient advocacy, and the shared purpose of researchers, advocates, and patients.

Engagement Through Connection

The exhibition welcomed over 3,000 visitors who engaged with cancer researchers, patient advocates, and Vincent Devine. Hundreds more explored the exhibition independently when it was not staffed, reflecting its accessibility and broad appeal.

The human stories woven through the week added an emotional depth to the event. One visitor, whose husband passed away from Burkitt Lymphoma, found solace in the paintings and returned daily to reflect. Children were captivated by the animals depicted in the artwork, leading their parents into meaningful conversations with researchers. Teenagers exploring science as a career asked questions about the research on display, and told of their dilemmas over what to choose for their future studies. A group of women expressed how the exhibition gave them the courage to schedule overdue cancer screenings, stating “I needed to see this today”. A passerby, who was celebrating a milestone of being declared lymphoma-free, discovered the exhibition by chance that same day and remarked on how vital it was to see such information made accessible in a public space.

One of AICRI’s long-standing patient advocates commented on the impact of the exhibition, emphasising that “cancer patients need to feel hope within projects such as this.” Their words captured the importance of creating spaces that not only educate but also inspire, providing patients and the public with a sense of connection.

The Power of Art and Science

Vincent Devine’s partnership with AICRI exemplified the potential of interdisciplinary collaboration. His ability to weave intricate symbolism and emotion into his art resonated deeply with diverse audiences, breaking down complex scientific ideas into accessible, visual stories.

Prof. William Gallagher, Co-Lead of AICRI, noted, “Regeneration is at the heart of both science and humanity. Through art, we can bridge these worlds, creating spaces for reflection and inspiration. This is how we make science accessible and empower communities to engage with the challenges we face.”

A Legacy of Regeneration

As Science Week 2024 drew to a close, The Blossoming left visitors with a renewed sense of hope and curiosity about cancer research. By merging art and science, the exhibition became an invitation to explore how collaboration, creativity, and commitment shape the future of cancer care and scientific discovery.

The exhibition reminded us that regeneration is not just a biological process, it’s a human one, fostering connection, inspiration, and the drive to create a brighter future.

Frontiers in Colorectal Cancer Research: ACRCelerate Final Workshop & All-Island Symposium

Venue: The Patrick G Johnston Centre for Cancer Research, Queen's University Belfast, 97 Lisburn Rd, Belfast BT9 7BL

Event Schedule

Day 1 – Thursday, 27th June: ACRCelerate Final Workshop

This day focuses on the work of the ACRCelerate Consortium, a European Colorectal Cancer Stratified Medicine Network. Utilising advanced preclinical models, the consortium generates robust and reproducible preclinical data to de-risk future clinical trials through accurate disease subtype positioning. Find out more.

Day 2 – Friday, 28th June: All-Island Colorectal Cancer Symposium

Hosted by the Patrick G Johnston Centre for Cancer Research, the All Island Cancer Research Institute, and the UCD-QUB Cancer Alliance, this day will explore current and future collaborative opportunities in colorectal cancer research from a European and All-Island perspective. Learn more.

Provisional Programme

Thursday, 27th June:

• 09:00 – 18:00: ACRCelerate Consortium Talks, Poster Session, followed by an evening social event.

• Confirmed Speakers:

• Owen Sansom (CRUK Scotland Institute)

• Simon Leedham (University of Oxford)

• Livio Trusolino (University of Torino)

• Hector Palmer (VHIO Barcelona)

• Philip Dunne (Queen's University & CRUK Scotland Institute)

• Seth Coffelt (CRUK Scotland Institute)

Friday, 28th June:

• 09:00 – 17:00: Talks focusing on current and future opportunities in colorectal cancer from a European and All-Island perspective.

Registration Information

• Register (including PIs and speakers) to secure your space.

• All attendees are welcome to join both days (ACRCelerate participants are encouraged to attend all or part of Day 2).

• Limited to 100 attendees – please register early to secure your place.

• Registration Deadline: 7th June 2024

• Poster Session: We strongly encourage abstract submissions.

For further information on submitting your poster or booking accommodation, please contact events@aicri.org.

The Joint Euro-American Forum on Cancer Programme

JOIN ONLINE NOW

for the Joint Euro-American Forum on Cancer, co-hosted by the All-Island Cancer Research Institute (AICRI) and Ireland’s Department of Health in collaboration with major cancer organisations including the European Cancer Organisation, the American Society for Clinical Oncology, the European School of Oncology, and the US National Cancer Institute.

This crucial hybrid event will address the escalating global cancer crisis. Taking place during the 25th Anniversary of the Ireland - Northern Ireland - US National Cancer Institute Cancer Consortium, and coinciding with the 20th Anniversary of Ireland's Smoking Ban, the Joint Euro-American Forum on Cancer marks a pivotal moment in cancer research, cancer care and policy.

Visit www.euroamericanforumoncancer.org for the event agenda and further details.

This landmark occasion will bring together globally recognised clinical and academic leaders and key relevant policy makers, political figures, and patient advocates, who will shape a transatlantic cancer beating agenda and deliver a series of recommendations to address the impending cancer challenge that is rapidly approaching. It will also mark the launch of European Cancer Pulse Ireland, as part of a European Cancer Organisation initiative that is defining cancer inequalities and their mitigation across Europe. The Forum will also mark the launch of “Cancer Knows No Borders – an all-island blueprint for cancer research and care” supported by the Keough-Naughton Institute for Irish Studies, University of Notre Dame and the Royal Irish Academy Analysing and Researching Ireland North and South.

Click HERE to register.

We look forward to you joining us for this unique occasion which presents an unrivalled opportunity for a new era in collaboration and cooperation, that accelerates us towards ending cancer as we know it globally.

Register now to secure your spot online!