A deeply moving photography exhibition featuring women battling breast cancer has opened at the Marquesas Administrative Center in Nuku Hiva, French Polynesia, as part of Pink October awareness activities. The powerful large-format photographs were created by artist Justine Russo, who tragically passed away this year at age 34 from breast cancer, the same disease affecting her subjects.

The exhibition, organized by the Pacific Amazons association in collaboration with the Cancer Institute, showcases Russo's extraordinary artistic vision born from her personal struggle with the disease. Drawing inspiration from her own experience, the young artist created photographs that blend sensitivity, resilience, and boldness without false modesty, capturing the raw truth of women's battles against cancer.

The collection presents an artistic journey through twelve different stories, featuring twelve women at various stages of their fight against breast cancer. Each large-format photograph tells a unique tale of courage and determination, offering intimate glimpses into the lives of women confronting this life-threatening illness. The images are notable for their unflinching honesty, presenting their subjects without artificial sentimentality or shame.

This marks the first time the exhibition has traveled outside of Tahiti, providing a rare opportunity for the Marquesan population to experience these artistic yet deeply personal portraits. From the very first day of the exhibition, local residents have been drawn to admire these compelling photographs that masterfully balance artistic beauty with intimate human vulnerability.

Through this unprecedented exhibition in the Marquesas, the Pacific Amazons association, which is dedicated to accompanying and supporting women who are victims of breast cancer, aimed to pay tribute to Justine Russo while simultaneously raising awareness among visitors. The organization's mission has been accomplished, as no visitor has remained unmoved by these powerful images that speak to the universal human experience of facing serious illness.

The exhibition will continue to run through December at the Marquesas Administrative Center, ensuring that more members of the community will have the opportunity to witness Russo's final artistic legacy. The photographs serve not only as a memorial to the talented artist who lost her own battle with breast cancer but also as a beacon of hope and solidarity for other women facing similar challenges.