A Polish artist has been recognized in the prestigious Nikon Small World Photography competition. Małgorzata Lisowska, who is suffering from breast cancer, decided to take a picture of the cancer cells that have attacked her body. The result surprised everyone.
This year, Margaret Lisowska received a diagnosis of breast cancer. Following her diagnosis, she bravely endured 16 chemotherapy sessions. As her treatment progressed, she underwent a mastectomy with reconstruction at the beginning of October.
“When I received my diagnosis, my immediate impulse was to visualize my tumor. I’ve realized that the tangible representation of tumors is often overlooked in the dialogues surrounding oncology. I’m determined to change this narrative,” the woman said on Instagram.
The plan was successfully executed. The artist skillfully immortalised her own cancer cells in a microscopic photograph, astonishingly arranging themselves into the form of… a heart.
“These are my cancer cells. (…) How can something so dangerous be so beautiful at the same time?” – Lisowska commented on her work.
“She earned acclaim from leading experts for her exceptional work. The Polish artist clinched the esteemed third place in the Nikon Small World competition, considered the world’s most prestigious platform for microscopic photography.”
Interestingly, it’s worth noting that the last time Poles secured a place on the podium in this competition was 31 years ago.
The critically acclaimed photograph is now available for purchase. You can obtain this award-winning piece in two formats: a 29 x 29 cm copy elegantly framed in a 40 x 40 cm oak frame with museum quality glass, and another version measuring 15 x 15 cm without a frame.
Proceeds from the sale of the photograph will be allocated towards the woman’s ongoing medical treatment.
Out of thousands of submissions worldwide, 83 photos were notably distinguished in the International Nikon Small World Microscopic Photography Competition, a prestigious event attracting both scientists and artists.
