Art League of Long Island Presents “Retrospect – The Individual Art of Collaboration in Reconstructive Surgery”
Dix Hills, NY – The Jeanie Tengelsen Gallery at the Art League of Long Island is proud to present, in conjunction with October’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month, “Retrospect – The Individual Art of Collaboration in Reconstructive Surgery.” Running from September 28 through October 18, 2024, this exhibition delves into the interplay between personal artistry and collaborative efforts in the context of breast reconstruction, showcasing how the healing process can transcend medicine to become an inspiring narrative of restoration and personal resilience.
This unique exhibition explores the intersection of medicine and art through the lens of two accomplished breast reconstruction surgeons, Dr. Ron Israeli and Dr. Jonathan Bank, whose careers and artistic endeavors are deeply intertwined. The exhibition traces the evolution of their work since their initial meeting during the inception of Dr. Israeli’s “Restored” project in 2012, highlighting how their combined and individual artistic projects serve as both educational tools and sources of artistic inspiration.
The pieces on display highlight the multifaceted nature of artistic expression in medicine and surgery. Their work emphasizes the importance of collaborative creativity in the healing process, offering viewers a unique perspective on the emotional and physical aspects of breast reconstruction.
Dr. Ron Israeli is a nationally recognized plastic surgeon and a founding partner of New York Breast Reconstruction & Aesthetic (NYBRA) Plastic Surgery. Known for his pioneering work in breast reconstruction, Dr. Israeli is also an accomplished artist whose work focuses on patient empowerment and breast reconstruction awareness. His “Restored” project, which began as a series of life cast sculptures of his patients, has evolved into a powerful narrative that continues to inspire and educate. His recent work includes a series of oil paintings that capture the collaborative spirit of surgery, further exploring themes of restoration and resilience.
Dr. Jonathan Bank is a board-certified plastic surgeon specializing in microsurgery, breast reconstruction, and body contouring. A leader in the field of sensory restoration of reconstructed breasts, Dr. Bank combines his medical expertise with a passion for art, creating projects that celebrate the beauty and resilience of women who have undergone mastectomies. His works, including “Reconstructed” and “Reblossom,” merge traditional art forms with innovative medical practices, highlighting the emotional and aesthetic dimensions of breast reconstruction.
A special feature of this exhibition will be a sampling of select works by renowned photographer Erez Sabag. In this collaboration, Dr. Bank alters the photographs to enhance the beautifully documented stories of breast cancer survivors and previvors. Sabag’s work, known for its rich visual storytelling, offers a poignant complement to the surgeons’ artistic endeavors.
Join us for this thought-provoking exhibition that brings together the worlds of art and medicine, offering a powerful narrative of restoration, resilience, and the impact of collaborative creativity.