Lucia is currently showcasing her first major exhibition at the Gallery for Oncology Patients and Supporting Artists, part of the touching Art Against Cancer project. “It all came about by chance. I’ve been painting my entire life, but more intensely in recent years,” Lucia shares. During her search for a venue, she discovered a welcoming space on Anenská Street in Prague that felt just right.

Her outreach to the gallery’s founder, Irena Kraftová, met with an encouraging response that sparked hope and excitement. They quickly aligned in their shared mission: to support those bravely battling cancer and their loved ones, who also endure significant emotional challenges. This exhibition serves not only as a showcase but also as a meaningful sales event. Lucia has generously committed to donating half of the proceeds to support the gallery’s operations, ensuring that other artists—whether patients or their relatives—have the opportunity to display their meaningful works. These pieces serve as powerful tools for mental healing, just as crucial as access to medical treatments.

Since 2012, the Gallery for Oncology Patients and Supporting Artists has been a beacon of hope for individuals confronting severe illnesses, allowing them to share their artistic expressions with the world. “I wanted to break the taboo around the word ‘cancer’ and help those who create regain their public identity,” Irena Kraftová explains. “Many patients withdraw from public life due to their illness, and providing a platform for them to exhibit their work can serve as a source of motivation that is profoundly therapeutic. Some artists only began creating after receiving a serious diagnosis, yet their work demonstrates a remarkable level of professionalism from the start. This illustrates the incredible potential within each of us as unique individuals.”

The primary mission of the Art Against Cancer project is to nurture creative expression as a form of therapy for cancer patients while offering them a space to showcase their art alongside supporting artists. Lucia felt a deep connection to this concept, which inspired her to donate half of her exhibition’s proceeds to the gallery.

"Art and painting bring me so much joy. The exhibition opening was a beautiful experience, and I am deeply grateful for all the positive feedback. Most importantly, I’m happy to support the gallery’s mission and assist others in their journey,’” she reflects. Irena Kraftová emphasizes that the Gallery for Oncology Patients stands out, both in the Czech Republic and around the world. Since its establishment in 2012, it has not only hosted current exhibitions but also maintains a permanent display of paintings created by children with cancer, known as The Brave Ones, serving as a testament to their resilience and creativity.

You can view Lucia Atanasová’s dreamlike paintings daily at the Gallery for Oncology Patients and Supporting Artists, located at Anenská 13, every day from 4 PM, until February 14, 2025.

For more information, please visit www.umieniprotirakovine.cz.