NPO FOCUS Documentary on Breast Cancer and DCIS

A breast cast before amputation: art as a tangible memory

In September, I was approached by FOCUS, a science-based television programme by the Dutch public broadcaster NPO. FOCUS is known for its distinctive perspective: especially in times of crisis, they turn toward science with hope. Toward researchers, doctors, and innovators who search for ways to move us forward and offer perspective. For a new documentary, they wanted to tell a story about breast cancer, not only from a medical point of view, but above all from a human perspective.

In this documentary, the Focus team concentrates on DCIS, a precursor to breast cancer. They explore whether surgery is always necessary, or whether alternative, more suitable treatment options may exist. Alongside the scientific approach, they wanted to follow a woman who, in the midst of this intense and uncertain phase, was facing surgery. Within that context, the question arose whether I would collaborate on creating a breast cast of the body as it still was, before the operation. That question touched me deeply, as it connects directly to the core of my work.

Karin and her choice for a breast cast before surgery

Together with the NPO, I shared an open call via my Instagram channel. What followed was something I could never have anticipated. So many women responded with openness, trust, and support. Women who shared stories of amputations that had already taken place, or were yet to come. Others spoke about everything they had already been through and the profound impact it had had on their lives. The strength and vulnerability within these responses made the process deeply moving, but also made it difficult to choose.

Eventually, together with the Focus team, we decided to contact Karin. She was exactly at the stage we were looking for. Karin would undergo the amputation of one breast and immediately choose reconstruction using her own tissue from her abdomen. What made this especially meaningful was her strong desire to have a cast made. She had already been exploring how she might realise this, but noticed that in the hectic period leading up to surgery, this wish was at risk of fading into the background. Precisely in such moments, consciously choosing for your body and creating a tangible memory can easily be overshadowed.

The process of making a breast cast in the context of breast cancer

At the beginning of October, my workspace, atelier, and gallery were taken over for a full day of filming. Karin arrived together with her partner. The Focus film crew consisted of three people, each bringing passion and expertise. The attic was chosen as the filming location, one of my favourite spaces in my monumental building. It radiates history, warmth, and calm.

Interviews were conducted and cameras were rolling, but for me one thing came first: my work. I did not want to let Karin down. Creating a strong and meaningful piece was the most important thing. Everything else was secondary. This moment required attention, stillness, and trust.

I know how essential a strong base mould is. Often, you only get one chance, especially knowing that Karin would undergo surgery shortly after this day. Because she was choosing reconstruction using her own tissue, the desire to create a cast as a tangible memory of her body as it once was felt even more urgent. A moment in which she consciously took ownership and agency over her body.

The knowledge that there is no second chance always brings a certain pressure. A pressure that, for me, sharpens focus and clarity. Of course, I spoke at length with Karin about her wishes. How should the piece look? She pointed out various elements, but above all, she entrusted me with the freedom to create an open and expressive work. For an artist, that is a profound gift and allows space for intuitive and fitting artistic choices.

Making a breast cast requires attention, technique, and emotion

Afterwards, I was left alone with the mould and a great sense of responsibility. A piece created by me with care and devotion, but above all one that Karin would be able to embrace with pride and strength.

In the weeks that followed, I made continuous decisions. I chose a realistic representation, with a high level of detail in the neck, breasts, and abdomen. There I wanted refinement, softness, and precision. For the shoulders and flanks, I worked with my threaded technique, drawing threads from the material to create a more open and rough surface. This contrast was intentional. It reflects the idea that a path is not always smooth, that imperfection can exist alongside beauty. Just as life itself consists of lighter days and more difficult ones.

The unveiling of the breast cast

The unveiling day is always special. It is a moment you work toward as an artist, but also one that can be emotionally charged. Especially with a breast cast created prior to amputation, it requires great care. My hope is that alongside grief, there is also space for pride, recognition, tenderness, and connection. Grief may be raw, but I always hope that the piece will ultimately be cherished and taken home with a sense of warmth.

Karin’s unveiling took place while a camera crew observed. Precisely for that reason, I wanted to guide this intimate moment with extra care. I even felt the urge to protect her. But Karin handled it beautifully. As the cloth slipped away from the piece, I saw genuine emotion in her response. She allowed the moment to fully arrive, and in that instant, the cameras faded into the background.

For the first time since her surgery, Karin was confronted with her body as it once had been. With the intact body that belonged to her and that was now gone. She repeated again and again: beautiful, beautiful, beautiful. Almost like a mantra. At the same time, there was gratitude and pride. The surgery had gone well, and in her own experience, she had been given a beautiful breast in return. Yet standing face to face with what once was inevitably brought emotion.

That Karin allowed this moment to be captured on camera, during such a vulnerable phase, is a testament to immense courage. To me, she is the embodiment of strength.

As always, I am deeply grateful to walk alongside someone for a small part of their life journey. To be of value in that space, and to give form to a feeling, a story, an emotion. That is why, alongside my autonomous work, I continue to create commissioned pieces. Because sometimes an artwork can carry what words cannot.