Local artist Obi Uwakwe is making a significant impact during Breast Cancer Awareness Month by helping survivors reclaim their identities through powerful photography. A project titled “Scarred: The Journey of a Warrior” features portraits of 30 breast cancer survivors from Chicago and around the globe, capturing their journeys and resilience.
The initiative aims to empower individuals who have faced the challenges of breast cancer, allowing them to transition from survivors to warriors. One participant, Ana Garcia Doyle, a mother of three, was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2023 and chose to undergo a single mastectomy. “I was topless for the photoshoot on the lake,” Garcia Doyle shared. “It’s like, if you need to, you look. You look at what this disease does to women.”
Garcia Doyle’s photograph on the lakefront prominently displays her scar, symbolizing her strength. The book not only presents these striking images but also offers insights into the emotional and physical aftermath that often accompanies the disease.
Uwakwe emphasizes the importance of these portraits, stating, “The warrior is the one who comes out with scars, is nursed back to health, but still keeps fighting.” This four-year project was entirely self-funded and inspired by Uwakwe’s friend who battled breast cancer. He recognized that survivors needed a platform to reclaim their power and experience the present fully.
The project also highlights the diverse experiences of survivors, including a Navy veteran who recently gave birth. Uwakwe noted, “It clicked how powerful it would be to have someone who’s had a mastectomy, gone through her journey, but still nurturing and pouring into a life.”
Garcia Doyle reflects on her experience, stating, “I am brave enough to slow down. And I cannot say that enough to myself.” Uwakwe reiterated the project’s essence, describing it as a celebration of the human spirit and the extraordinary strength of women.
The book, featuring these intimate portraits and stories, is available for a limited time online, providing a unique opportunity for people to connect with the journeys of these brave individuals. As the awareness month unfolds, Uwakwe’s work serves as a powerful reminder of resilience and the importance of embracing one’s identity after facing such adversity.
