ACTIVISM
Demonstrations, Nationwide, 1991-1994
Drawings 1991-1992
Matuschka began the series "Beauty Out of Damage" with a series of exploratory drawings which would later became photographs and some would be turned into posters. As with her "Ruins" portfolio (1987-1991) the artist would make preliminary sketches for the photographs she planned on creating to bring greater attention to the breast cancer epidemic.
In 1991, while undergoing chemotherapy for breast cancer, Matuschka joined W.H.A.M!, a direct action group in NYC, to form The Breast Cancer Action Movement (BAM)! in an effort to bring greater awareness to the ‘breast cancer epidemic’. She designed a series of breast cancer posters for the group which included many photographic self-portraits. W.H.A.M! distributed these posters nationally and eventually one caught the attention of The New York Times photo editors. On August 15th, 1993, Matuschka’s self portrait, entitled Beauty out of Damage was published on the cover of their Sunday Magazine.
This controversial choice for their cover, infuriated many, but sparked debate about the treatment, awareness, and depiction of breast cancer throughout the world.
This historical publishing decision made headline news and ended an era of silence, shame, and concealment for millions of women all over the world.
W.H.A.M. was a New York City activist organization that was instrumental in helping launch the breast cancer movement of the early 90s. Ironically, none of their enormous efforts to create awareness for breast cancer can be found in the few books that detailed their work regarding Pro Choice and reproductive freedom.
Social Justice & Political Engagement
Matuschka's posters were used in many grass root demonstrations, rallies, and protests to bring greater awareness to the 'silent epidemic' throughout the 90s.
Environmental Advocacy
This section includes the artist's collaboration with Greenpeace and the creation of the award winning poster, "Time for Prevention".
Impact on Art and Society
Below follows an abbreviated list of her appearances.
The following organizations have collected posters and placed them in public places:
CBS Sunday Morning (2013) – Feature profile
Inside Edition (1999, 2013)
Extra (1999)
Good Morning America
CBS This Morning
ABC World News Tonight –
(Peter Jennings’ Person of the Week)
CNN’s Sonya Live
Ted Koppel’s Nightline
The Charlie Rose Show
Lifetime’s Queen Show
Rolanda
Leeza
VH1’s Fashion TV with Jeanne Beker
AM Philadelphia
Fox 5 News – One in Nine: Breast Cancer Alert
WGBH Boston – Greater Boston with Emily Rooney (2004)
PBS Health Chronicles – From Heartbreak to Hope
Phil Donahue Show
Maury Povich Show
John and Leeza
The Home Show
Jerry Springer Show
Vanity Insanity – Prime Time TV (Canada, globally syndicated)
Arte Cultural Channel (France/Germany) – 25 and Over
Scottish Women (Glasgow, 1995)
ZDF German TV – Life Is the Main Thing (1999), later screened at MoMA NYC
Premiere, Schreinmakers, Nacht Show (Germany)
People Behind the Headlines (Holland)
Adelphi University (1 in 9)
Community Health Project
Center for the Study of Political Graphics
Dr. Moore, New York Hospital
University of Texas, Medical Branch
National Lymphedema Network
Greenpeace
Northwestern University Library
NOW (Northwest Suburban AH/MP)
SafeSpace
WEDO (Women's Environment and Development Organization)
W.O.M.B. Suny Purchase
Women's Outreach Network
The Yale LGB Co-Op
Women's Center for Life-Long Learning (Utah State University)
Mercy Medical Center
William Paterson College
Y-Me (Chicago)
1990's News Reel
The video above highlights key moments where Matuschka and her work appeared on National &
International TV.