Since November 2022, the fine artist, Vincent Devine, has been working with UCD cancer researchers and patient partners to explore how cancer affects patients and their families: from molecules to cells; tissues to impacts on the whole human body; personal impact to societal impact.
Inspired by the iconic drawing of “The Vitruvian Man” by artist and scientist Leonardo da Vinci, Vincent has created an image of an androgynous human to visually map the different perspectives and approaches that researchers use to understand cancer at molecular, cellular, tissue and human levels. The core art piece depicts this journey through the body, incorporating visual scientific imagery alongside the human experience of cancer.
The art piece will be on display in the RDS Library and there will be a panel discussion between cancer researcher Prof William Gallagher, cancer survivor Deirdre O’Raw and artist Vincent Devine.
Professor William Gallagher (Cancer Researcher)
Professor William Gallagher is Full Professor of Cancer Biology at University College Dublin (UCD) and Deputy Director of Precision Oncology Ireland, a large-scale Science Foundation Ireland (SFI) Strategic Partnership Programme involving 5 academic institutions, 6 cancer charities and 7 companies.
Vincent Devine (Artist)
Vincent Define is a fine artist based in Country Offaly. Devine’s artistic career has been characterised by a refusal to conform to categorisation, consistently exploring innovative and captivating styles that defy conventional genre boundaries. A notable collaboration with the late Vicky Phelan, a prominent patient advocated, marked the beginning of Devine’s recent venture into uncovering the intricate layers of cancer. Driven by a desire to convey the unexplainable and depict the indescribable, his artistic vision transcends conscious understanding and challenges the limitations of conventional language. His work serves as a visual medium that dismantles barriers inviting viewers to contemplate and explore profound subjects beyond traditional comprehension.
Deirdre O’Raw (Patient Partner)
Deirdre has worked in the Defences Forces for the last 26years. During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, she was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in July 2020. Following extensive surgery soon after diagnosis, Deirdre underwent chemotherapy for a period of several months, following by the treatment with targeted drugs (PARP inhibitors) for two years. Deirdre completed her treatment in March 2023 and has been actively involved in patient and public involvement (PPI) in recent times. Deirdre’s story, as well as another ovarian cancer patient partner, is incorporated in part as one of the derivative works, which Devine has created.