Art of Oesophageal Cancer

Art of oesophageal cancer is a visual representation of one patient’s experience of going through treatment, surgery and then coming to terms with a new normal.

The subject matter touches on wider public health issues and covers the pre-cancer condition Barrett’s oesophagus, as well as the artist’s experience of chemotherapy, surgery and post-operative period in a High Dependency Unit.  Although the images refer to oesophageal cancer, several can relate to any cancer or life changing illness or experience. The more recent pieces, including two short, illustrated poems, point to personal issues that require management despite an otherwise good level of health.

Manchester-born artist, Ann Wood, first started to draw to pass the time during long chemotherapy sessions. She is self-taught and like many, enjoys using art to express feelings on scenarios and life in general. The images in this exhibition are mainly figurative art using the portable media of pencils and fine liners.

The aim of the exhibition is to raise awareness of oesophageal cancer and how it can be treated if caught in its early stages. The exhibition coincides with Oesophageal Cancer Awareness Month in February and the artist will also be running a virtual exhibition on Instagram to mark this month. Throughout February an image will be posted every day and will be a combination of those from the live exhibition and some of her earlier work.

A summary of the earlier cancer series is available as a free e-book downloadable from oesophagectomylife.co.uk/artbook

Instagram @annorthernlass.

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