Virtual
September 30, 2027 at 11:59 PM
Synopsis
Oil on canvas
25.5” x 31.5” x 1.5”, includes frame
$2,000
Artist statement:
Creating this piece was a deeply meaningful experience. Meeting Monica and hearing her story gave me a greater understanding of the difficult decisions women face after a breast cancer diagnosis. Monica’s vulnerability in sharing her story inspired me to create this piece. The imagery reflects different stages of her journey. Being submerged beneath the water represents the shock of receiving life-changing news, while the dark waters symbolize the uncertainty that follows. The thornlike branches represent the painful treatments and countless needles she endured. A hidden door reminds us that hope is always present, even in life's darkest moments. I chose to use eggs as a symbol of her breasts and motherhood. Monica was given a choice when she was given her diagnosis. In this piece, she holds her breasts in her hands and carefully weighs the decision she will make.
With this purchase, you own the artwork. Artwork will be available for pickup or delivery after October 26. To schedule pickup at the Adrienne Arsht Center or arrange delivery, please email Sam Loetscher at sloetscher@arshtcenter.org. Delivery fees apply.
Run Time
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Thursday, September 30, 2027
11:59 PM
Currently Unavailable
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Monica Aparicio
Survivor
Artist Bio
Monica Aparicio
Monica Aparicio
Miami Beach
Twist on Cancer: People often call cancer survivors warriors—strong, brave, unbreakable. I carried that strength because I had to, but also because others needed me to. There were moments when it felt unfair that I had to look strong so the people around me wouldn’t feel scared or uncomfortable. The more invincible I appeared, the less room I had to be vulnerable. My breast cancer journey taught me that strength is not a mask. It is the courage to keep going through fear, exhaustion and uncertainty. But true strength also includes the parts no one sees: the tears, the doubt, the quiet moments when you allow yourself to fall apart. Participating in Brushes With Cancer gave me a rare space to be fully seen. My artist didn’t just hear my story; they understood the layers beneath it—the resilience, yes, but also the softness I often hide to protect others. Through this collaboration, I felt recognized not as a symbol of strength but as a whole person. This artwork reflects the truth that surviving cancer is not only about fighting. It is about allowing yourself to feel, to break, to heal and to rise again. It is about reclaiming the right to be vulnerable without losing your power. If this piece speaks to you, I hope it reminds you that even the strongest among us need space to breathe, to rest and to be held. Strength and vulnerability are not opposites. They are partners in survival. -
Noelia Montaner
Artist
Artist Bio
Noelia Montaner
Noelia Montaner
Homestead
NoeliaMontanerArt.com
Social Media: @noeliamontanerart22
Artist Statement: Creating this piece was a deeply meaningful experience. Meeting Monica and hearing her story gave me a greater understanding of the difficult decisions women face after a breast cancer diagnosis. Monica’s vulnerability in sharing her story inspired me to create this piece. The imagery reflects different stages of her journey. Being submerged beneath the water represents the shock of receiving life-changing news, while the dark waters symbolize the uncertainty that follows. The thornlike branches represent the painful treatments and countless needles she endured. A hidden door reminds us that hope is always present, even in life's darkest moments. I chose to use eggs as a symbol of her breasts and motherhood. Monica was given a choice when she was given her diagnosis. In this piece, she holds her breasts in her hands and carefully weighs the decision she will make.