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.
