Heart of Hope
Name: “Heart of Hope”
Event: The CIBC Run for the Cure
Organizers: Canadian Cancer Society, CIBC Bank
Place: Toronto, The Bentway
Time: August 23 – October 6 Curator of project Liza Zhurkovskaya
“Dedicated to my beloved mother Zinaida”
Project Overview
This year, Alina Tacmelova’s installation, “Heart of Hope,” was selected under the theme “Building a Community of Support”.
The “Heart of Hope” project reflects the vital importance of community support for women battling breast cancer. It is a project that embodies empathy, love, positive energy, and, most importantly, hope. At the heart of this installation is an abstract sculpture, modeled after an anatomical heart, symbolizing life and the collective spirit of women impacted by breast cancer. The heart, which is a universal emblem of life, is portrayed in Tacmelova’s signature style, with smooth, bionic lines, and painted in pink a color symbolizing hope.
Surrounding the heart are mirrored pink plaques inscribed with supportive phrases from loved ones, friends, and even strangers. These words of encouragement, written in various fonts reflects the unique character of each author, and creates a dialogue between the installation as well as its viewers. Words of encouragement make a World of difference. In her work, Tacmelova often uses words and expressions to engage her audience, and here, these phrases are filled with positive energy, love, and hope. They act as lifeblood for the heart, energizing the hearts of all women affected by breast cancer and reminding them that they are not alone. “I believe art has the power to heal,” says Alina. “This project is very important to me because I know from personal experience how crucial the support of others can be”.
Tacmelova dedicates her installation to her mother, Zinaida, who lived with breast cancer for six years. “It was the support of family and friends that helped my mother stay strong and continue living,” she reflects.
Concept
My practice is centered around the power of healing and love and each immersive experience and installation represents a unique universe with its own meaning, aesthetic, and space. My latest project, “Heart of Hope”, was inspired by my life experience and became an extension of myself. It blends the healing power of love and the reality of pain, celebrating vulnerability and the importance of community support.
Inspired by my dear mother, who battled cancer for six years despite being given only six months to live, “Heart of Hope” stands as a tribute to her enduring strength. She taught me to fight for life, to cherish every moment, and to spread love, kindness, and hope, no matter the circumstances. The installation is a beacon of nationwide support, designed to foster a community of love and encouragement while sparking conversations about cancer. It highlights the disease’s widespread impact and underscores the importance of early detection, research, and support services.
The central sculpture, the heart, is my artistic representation of resilience, strength, and enduring hope for cancer patients, survivors, and their families. Inspired by the anatomical human heart, the abstracted sculpture symbolizes the life-giving force of love and the collective emotions and experiences of those battling cancer. Surrounding the sculpture are plaques covered with messages of support and love from the community. These reflections symbolize that no one fights alone. The heartfelt phrases from various individuals offer comfort, reminding those affected by cancer that they are not alone, that they are supported, and that they are in our thoughts and prayers.
This art project embodies the unity and shared spirit in the ongoing battle against cancer, highlighting the power of community and the strength derived from collective support.
In Media
Response
“Alina’s project “Heart of Hope” gave me more strength and confidence that I am not alone. When I found out about the diagnosis, I was very scared and kept silent, thinking it was only my problem. But when I saw this installation, I was realized that I was not alone. A lot of people support me. I am feeling a real power of community, hope, and love.”
– says Julia Vernikova.“
“The “Heart of Hope” project continues Tacmelova’s mission as an artist, creating spaces where people can share their stories, feel loved, and draw energy from the collective resilience of the community.
Tacmelova’s installation is a centerpiece of the “Building a Community of Support” theme, one of five themes selected for this year’s event. The opening of “Heart of Hope” will be held on August 23 at The Bentway space (250 Fort York Blvd Toronto), setting the stage for what promises to be a powerful and inspiring Run for the Cure.”