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
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
Image source: AleXsandro Palombo
Betty Boop
Image source: AleXsandro Palombo
Ariel from The Little Mermaid
Image source: AleXsandro Palombo
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
Image source: AleXsandro Palombo
Jasmine from Aladdin
Image source: AleXsandro Palombo
Jessica Rabbit from Who Framed Roger Rabbit
Image source: AleXsandro Palombo
Lois from Family Guy
Image source: AleXsandro Palombo
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 White
Image source: AleXsandro Palombo
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
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