• Nela Fletcher’s exhibition supports the Otago & Southland Cancer Society with proceeds from art sales.
  • Retired surgeon Murray Pfeifer will give talks, adding medical insights to the art experience.
  • The exhibition includes various art mediums and raises awareness about breast cancer diagnosis.

Nela Fletcher’s new exhibition Monstrosity of Tiny Tumours opens this Friday, 27 September, at the Art Attic Gallery in Invercargill. The exhibit, which runs until 19 October, is not just an artistic showcase, but also a fundraising effort for the Otago & Southland Cancer Society. Proceeds from artwork sales will go directly to support the local cancer community.

Fletcher, an artist who recently faced her own breast cancer diagnosis, uses her artwork to explore the emotional and physical aspects of her journey through treatment. With the support of retired general surgeon Murray Pfeifer, the exhibition includes personal insights into breast cancer, a disease that affects 3,500 New Zealanders every year.

Beyond the visual art, the exhibition features talks with Mr Pfeifer, who was an important figure during Fletcher’s cancer battle. As she explains, “Murray has been a strong figure on our journey, and I say ‘our journey’ because it affects your whole family.” Pfeifer provided support by explaining the medical process in a way the family could understand, helping them navigate difficult decisions without overwhelming them with advice.

The exhibition includes Fletcher’s ink on paper artworks, photography, and video. These pieces reflect her internal process and her unique way of making sense of her illness. One of the standout aspects of the exhibition is its accessibility; there are affordable options for attendees to support the Cancer Society by purchasing postcards of the artwork.

Special talks have been arranged as part of the programme, including “Pink Pathways – the road to early detection in Southland” on 16 October at the Cancer Society. The key discussions between Fletcher and Pfeifer will provide both artistic and medical insights into the breast cancer journey, making this exhibition a platform for both awareness and community engagement.

The exhibition is open from 27 September to 19 October, with a full event schedule available at nelafletcher.com/dates

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