Body Image~Body Essence at the New Bedford Art Museum uses the recurrent imagery of hair loss to explore the conflict between who I am and what I look like faced by women with ovarian cancer after its invasive surgery and follow-up treatments.

Also addressed are other aspects of changed self image, both somber and lighthearted. Solemn issues of scarring, fatigue and fertility can be found in some pieces, but so can playful explorations of "chemo brain," or hair that refuses to grow back the same as before. In the end, however, the artist's deeply personal journey transcends the individual to illuminate the universal.

This cathartic, educational and informative exhibit is a powerful commentary on the shared human experiences of health, sickness, death and personal triumph.

Body Image~Body Essence began as a response to my wife having ovarian cancer. As husband and caregiver I was powerfully affected by the total surprise of her diagnosis, the ordeal of the surgery and the treatment which followed.

As sculptor I could not help but respond through my art. With the gracious support and encouragement of Massachusetts General Hospital, my initial work developed and grew into this exhibit, a visual vocabulary for ovarian cancer awareness.

As I created these sculptures I came to see the exhibit as a narration of a survivor's transition from what came before her diagnosis of ovarian cancer to a new life journey. Much of the art deals with hair loss; but the hair loss, while devastating, is temporary. Living this experience and creating this work, I came to see hair loss as an initial traumatic change in image that in the end becomes a symbolic portal echoing the transition in life forced upon all woman, families and loved ones dealing with ovarian cancer.

It is my hope that Body Image~Body Essence, in addition to raising awareness, will provide solace and strength to the women and families embarked on their new journey.

- John Magnan

The New Bedford Art Museum is located at 608 Pleasant Street in downtown New Bedford. For more information, call the museum at 508-961-3072.