Women who are battling for their lives following a health crisis are now the focus of a camera, with a woman who experienced a similar situation leading the charge.
Anel Bazylova's Award-Winning Photo Series Highlights Resilience and Empowers Women
Anel Bazylova, a Kazakh photographer, has created an impactful photo series titled "Be" that showcases the resilience of women living with cancer and rare genetic conditions. The series, which won the Sony World Photography Awards and was exhibited at London's Somerset House, has been instrumental in challenging societal stigma and amplifying inspirational stories that are often overlooked.
The personal and inspirational series was born out of Bazylova's own struggles with postpartum depression following the birth of her son. Previously, she had focused on supporting mothers of children with special needs, and through "Be," she aims to inspire women with serious illnesses not to isolate themselves but to find hope and courage to share their journeys.
One of the participants in Bazylova's project, Dinara Isa, lived with Gorham's disease, a rare genetic disorder. Sadly, Isa passed away in a coma before seeing the win of her portrait in the Sony World Photography Awards. However, her portrait, and the stories of all the women featured in "Be," serve as a powerful testament to their strength and determination.
Another participant, Dina from Almaty, shared her cancer journey on social media. Now in remission, Dina speaks in podcasts, writes about cancer, and helps others understand what to expect after remission begins.
Bazylova's decision to focus on women with cancer was driven by her personal health scare. She emphasizes the need to normalize discussions around illness and difference, for both individuals and society. The society we build tomorrow depends on the conversations we start today, according to Bazylova.
The project aims to empower women living with serious illnesses to speak openly about their experiences. Bazylova plans to continue supporting and inspiring women facing health challenges through her photography and projects, building on the community and support networks she began with her earlier work.
Looking ahead, Bazylova plans to feature a child with Down syndrome and people with albinism in her next project. She continues to use her art as a platform to raise awareness and provide emotional support, inspiring others to embrace their differences and live boldly and without regret, just like the women featured in "Be."
[1] Sources: Sony World Photography Awards, Harper's Bazaar
- Anel Bazylova's photo series, "Be," not only highlights the resilience of women living with serious medical conditions like cancer and rare genetic disorders, but also aims to empower them to confront their health challenges, fostering a community of support and inspiration in the field of health and wellness.
- Beyond the focus on cancer, Bazylova's work also extends to mental health and women's health issues, as evident in her effort to normalize discussions about illness and difference, and her plans to feature a child with Down syndrome and people with albinism in her next project.
- Driven by her own experiences with postpartum depression and a personal health scare, Bazylova's photography serves as a beacon for mental health awareness and advocacy, encouraging an open dialogue around topics like depression, and encouraging women to embrace their journeys and live without regret.