"Death or Gladioli" Journal

Inspiration: Sophie Berman

Artist: Nicole Marie Hagg 

Sophie's Twist on Cancer: I was diagnosed with breast cancer at 31 after finding a lump myself. I have no family history, and none of the gene mutations. My world was pretty much turned upside down. I went through fertility treatments to freeze my eggs, six rounds of chemo, a double mastectomy, a month of radiation, and most recently, reconstruction surgery. Throughout all of the BS, the one constant was the love and support I felt from my family and friends. My “twist” on cancer is even on the darkest days, if you look hard enough, you can see the sun shining. There’s always a silver lining.

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Nicole Marie's Artist Statement: When I was listening to the story of my match and the journey she went through, I was really inspired by her strength and continuous joy for life despite the struggles she’s endured. She was surrounded by a strong support system that helped her through this journey, and I wanted to show this joy and victory through my painting. I created a vibrant composition of her own nude body in celebration of her life and conquest past breast cancer. I surrounded her in rich magentas and purples with pink gladiolus flowers around her body as a symbol of her femininity, the color for breast cancer, and victory itself. “Death or Gladioli” is a Dutch expression that means “all or nothing.” It comes from the ancient Roman times of Gladiators when they would battle to the death and the victors would be showered with the “sword lily,” the gladiolus flower as a prize. The gladiolus flower is a vibrant symbol of strength, victory, love, and beauty. My match is the gladiator through this battle and she has earned her gladiol.