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After Play Out, It Is AleXsandro Palombo Who Wishes To Change The Way We Perceive Cancer Survivors

After Play Out, a unisex underwear company chose three breast cancer survivors who ‘chose’ not to have breast reconstruction post double mastectomies to challenge existing definitions of femininity by lashing out against the dominant narrative of restoring one’s ‘femininity’ (perceived?) through reconstruction vis-à-vis their ad campaign, it is Italian artist AleXsandro Palombo following suit.

Survivor series

Survivor series

Image source: AleXsandro Palombo

In a series of iconic cartoon characters reimagined as breast cancer survivors, 41-year-old Palombo gives us Disney princesses and other well-known cartoon characters such as Wonder Woman, Sleeping Beauty, Aladdin‘s Jasmine, Betty Boop, and others – nude with mastectomy scars, pink breast cancer ribbons, and holding up peace signs! His message is loud and clear – no one is immune to cancer and yet, the physical scars of defeating the enemy should be worn like a badge of honor. A mastectomy does NOT make a woman any less ‘feminine’ or ‘beautiful.’


Suggested read: Play Out enlists breast cancer survivors posing for their latest ad campaign


Cinderella from Cinderella

Cinderella from Cinderella

Image source: AleXsandro Palombo

Betty Boop

Betty Boop

Image source: AleXsandro Palombo

Ariel from Little Mermaid

Ariel from The Little Mermaid

Image source: AleXsandro Palombo

Aurora from sleeping Beauty

Aurora from Sleeping Beauty

Image source: AleXsandro Palombo

Inspired to attempt the series for a friend he lost to breast cancer a few years ago, he understands the plight of millions of breast cancer survivors grappling with body confidence and the inability to embrace their ‘altered’ status completely. It is this shattered body confidence that Palombo wishes to rebuild and help global denizens understand that ‘femininity’ as a construct isn’t rigid and definite. In fact, he avers that his main focus is to celebrate the strength and beauty of breast cancer survivors and tell the world,

“Every woman is beautiful, even after a mastectomy. And every woman should know that.”

Wilma Flintstone from The Flintstones

Wilma Flintstone from The Flintstones

Image source: AleXsandro Palombo

Jasmine from Aladdin

Jasmine from Aladdin

Image source: AleXsandro Palombo

Jessica Rabbit from Who Framed Roger Rabbit

Jessica Rabbit from Who Framed Roger Rabbit

Image source: AleXsandro Palombo

Lols from Family Guy

Lois from Family Guy

Image source: AleXsandro Palombo

Marge from The Simpsons

Marge from The Simpsons

Image source: AleXsandro Palombo

Himself debilitated by a rare form of cancer four years ago, Palombo has, ever since, dedicated himself to social activism through art. Palombo’s art often involves putting a creative spin on celebrities whilst weaving in color, satire, humor, realism, and surrealism into the making. While many of Palombo’s projects consist of reimagining subjects in humorous and lighthearted ways, some carry deeper themes, ranging from diversity to domestic violence to human rights. Most of his work exists solely online, either on his blog, Humor Chic, or shared on social media like Facebook and Instagram.

Citing Andy Warhol as one of his biggest influences, Palombo describes his art as ‘social activist, satirical, post-pop’ adding, “I lived fully in the 80’s, the boom of pop culture, the years of consumerism, the cult of celebrity and the desire for lightness,” to explain his unique take on subjects.

Snow White from Snow Wite

Snow White from Snow White

Image source: AleXsandro Palombo

Tattiana from The Princess and The Frog

Tattiana from The Princess and The Frog

Image source: AleXsandro Palombo

Relating his undying love for cartoon characters to Warhol’s penchant for celebrities, he says that cartoons have a humane and realistic element all their own – something he wishes to make use of, to hammer home his crucial message.

A strong believer in activism, he asserts that any medium can be metamorphosed into a potent instrument for change and help. And we sure agree! Coz these reimagined graphics of our childhood favorites have managed to do just that. We applaud you for bringing forth the ‘Survivor’ series and allowing the world to see that beauty truly is a social construct, with walls as thin as splinters of ice. And that it only takes the passionate ‘fire’ of a determined will, not unlike yours, to melt away those boundaries and encourage the fluidity of gender boundaries, their perception, and acceptance!

To all the women out there, you are BEAUTIFUL. Just the way you are! :)

Featured image source: AleXsandro Palombo

Summary
Article Name
AleXsandro Palombo Reimagines Disney Princesses As Breast Cancer Survivors
Author
Description
AleXsandro Palombo has reimagined cartoon characters as breast cancer survivors and the result is an immensely powerful message, embedded in art.
Sejal Parikh

Sejal Parikh

"I'm a hurricane of words but YOU can choose the damage I do to you..."