Photography courtesy of Hideka Tonomura

Breast Cancer Awareness Month is about showing recognition and contributing back to the community with the help of donations and volunteers during the month. I feel giving back by giving more attention to breast cancer should be a year-round contribution by the community. Just imagine, it would tackle breast cancer if everyone pitched in and did their part as a whole body of people and not individually. A community is staunch in numbers.  —Julian Lucas

In August of 2019, photographer Hideka Tonomura began her project, “Shinning Woman” just over the course of a little over a year, Hideka photographed portraits of 30 women who are survivors of breast cancer who may have had a mastectomy and breast reconstruction, cervical, uterine, ovarian, and more rare types of cancer. Being a cancer survivor, Hideka did not subject herself to any self-portraits within the body of work.

During the intimate photo sessions, while in conversation, having their portraits taken, according to Ms. Tonomura, many of the women had memorable responses:

“Having myself photographed means to accept my own scars and sickness”. The weight of these words left a really strong impression in my heart. As a photographer, I keep these words in my mind as I do the shooting sessions”.

“It feels as if I could gain back what I have lost.”

“I have the courage to live longer and live more from now on.”

“I could try my best to get over with the treatment because I don’t want to disappoint my own self that appeared in the portrait.”

“I could tell my kids that ‘Your mommy is sick, but she is not unhappy. There are many joyful things in her life!’”

“I have received a lot of power from the women’s portraits—now I want to be part of that too, so that I can share my living power with other people.”

“When I photograph, I don’t cry. The photographer cannot cry. My heart, feelings and emotions exist in the portraits of these beautiful women”. 

After being asked if there were occasions, Hideka could not photograph because the situation was too sad Hideka notes, “No, I had no problem doing that because we have already confronted our sadness beforehand. That is because the women have already embraced their sadness, accepted their new selves, and decided to come face-to-face with me. She adds, “ Most of them did shed tears during the photo session. But that is not because they are sad. It’s because both of us share the same time when we confront our femininity and life”.

“When I photograph, I don’t cry. The photographer cannot cry. My heart, feelings and emotions exist in the portraits of these beautiful women”. 

Artist Statement

SHINING WOMAN  #cancerbeauty

For women, losing their womb, ovaries, breasts, and hair is extremely depressing.

Feelings of despair and madness.

Young women who dream of giving birth.
Women who are receiving infertility treatment.

Due to their cancer, they are not only losing their uterus, ovaries, and breasts but are also simultaneously losing their dream of having their own child.

The fear of losing their female organs brings a premonition of death to their femininity.
It feels like hell for them to accept such fears.

Nevertheless, women still put on lipstick, nice clothes, and wigs, and head out to their battlefield—the outside world.

Verbal abuse and prejudice.
Unawareness can be truly horrifying.

Disappointed in myself for hating people who use mean words,
while I myself may unconsciously have used mean words as well.

It can happen to me as a woman, and to men, to their loved ones.

I want to change how people perceive female cancers and cancer patients.

I want the world to become a place where women can live more comfortably so that they can continue to treasure their everyday life and feel free to go outside, without having to experience any verbal abuse just because they have lost their breasts, wombs, ovaries, and hair.

Femininity is not determined by one’s body parts. Everything is a testament to choosing to live.

Women can always turn despair into strength and continue to let their beauty shine out.

The true meaning of shining lies in the power with which we fight for our lives.

Women who dream to see their children grow up.
Women who dream to become an adult and fall in love.

Life is beautiful.

Anytime,
Anywhere,
Any case.
The essence of life is always beautiful.

All women are shining. 

——Hideka Tonomura

UPCOMING
SHINING WOMAN #cancerbeauty
Exhibition
October 23, 2020 - November 21, 2020

Piramide Bldg. 2F, 6-6-9 Roppongi, Minatoku,
Tokyo, 1060032 Japan

Zen Foto Gallery is pleased to present “SHINING WOMAN #cancerbeauty”, an exhibition by Hideka Tonomura from Oct 23 to Nov 21. This exhibition marks Hideka’s 4th solo presentation with Zen Foto Gallery, after her exhibition “die of love” in 2018. Having experienced cervical cancer diagnosis and treatment herself in 2019, Tonomura witnessed how there are many women who are bravely fighting against cancer in their lives. Deeply inspired and impressed by their radiance, Tonomura started the portrait project for these powerful women. This exhibition will feature approximately 40 prints under 3 different categories: “Portraits of Life”, “Proof of Life” and “Portraits of the Soul”. In conjunction with the exhibition, Zen Foto Gallery will publish a photobook under the same title “SHINING WOMAN #cancerbeauty”. We sincerely hope that you will take this opportunity to view this powerful work.

Julian Lucas, is fine art photographer, photojournalist, and creative strategist. Julian also works as a housing specialist which, includes linking homeless veterans to housing. Julian has lived in Chicago, Inglewood, Portland, and the suburbs of Los Angeles County including Pomona.