The HMRI Art Series, launched in 2006, is a celebration of our region’s leading researchers. Each year an established local artist will be commissioned to create an artwork that celebrates the work of the HMRI Researcher of the Year.

Loyal supporters of HMRI including members of the Foundation Gold Circle, Foundation Silver Circle, Foundation Circle and Top 200 program receive a limited edition print in recognition of their support. The original artwork is auctioned at the annual HMRI Ball, providing a prestigious acquisition for local collectors.

 

2008 Art Series – A Woman’s Destiny

The HMRI 2008 Art Series was inspired by the research of leading Hunter breast cancer researcher, Professor John Forbes. Artist of the 2008 Art Series, Lee Zaunders, reflects on her inspiration for this artwork...

In response to Professor John Forbes’ breast cancer research, I created a work of art that expresses a personal and timeless statement. The most precious creations I have are my two daughters. I am often mindful of their biological destiny as women, especially today. The painted image of my daughter is both a celebration of sublime, feminine beauty, as well as an acknowledgement of the profound contribution Professor Forbes continues to make towards the future wellbeing of women - Lee Zaunders

Professor John Forbes is a Professor of Surgical Oncology at the University of Newcastle and heads the Australia New Zealand Breast Cancer Trials Group, based at Calvary Mater Newcastle. Over the past 20 years, his internationally recognised research has improved the treatment and survival outcomes of women with breast cancer.

Lee Zaunders’ personal endeavours and academic research in the visual arts has confirmed her belief in figurative art. The paintings and drawings created by Lee depict the many aspects of humanity, using the human skin itself is a canvas – a recording of a life lived.

This limited edition print is presented to a loyal supporter of HMRI. The 2008 HMRI Art Series is supported by Chris and Shirley Piggott, Lee Zaunders, Wide Horizons Framing and NCP.

Artist Lee Zaunders and researcher Professor John Forbes

 

2007 HMRI Art Series - Pathways to Recovery

Pathways to Recovery, by award winning local artist Susan Weaver, is inspired by the research of Professor Jim Denham. It explores a man’s journey through diagnosis of prostate cancer and treatment, towards recovery.

The male symbol at the top of the painting is solid. Its whirlpool reflection in the bottom half of the painting suggests the confusion and uncertainty experienced after diagnosis. It is surrounded by broken lines which represent pathways to recovery. The female symbol, located at the bottom of the painting, offers a supportive role. The solid gold bars are barriers which reflect the male’s reluctance to seek help, but between the bars are spaces where the small arrow has found a pathway, suggesting hope and a positive outcome.

Professor Denham, Director of Radiation Oncology at the Newcastle Mater Hospital and a Conjoint appointment of the University of Newcastle, has a distinguished track record in clinical cancer research having coordinated many trials seeking improved treatments for people with oesophageal, head and neck, breast and prostate cancer. He has led one of the world’s largest prostate cancer trials which showed that a hormone therapy given to men with localised but inoperable prostate cancer a few months before radiotherapy can help stop their cancer returning after treatment and reduce cancer deaths.

Susan's work has been exhibited in Sydney and Newcastle. Her works are inspired by memories of particular places or regions and capture the atmosphere or essence of a landscape.

The 2007 HMRI Art Series is supported by Chris and Shirley Piggot, Susan Weaver, Sarah Morton, Wide Horizons Framing and NCP.

HMRI supporter Shirley Piggott and researcher Professor Jim Denham

 

2006 HMRI Art Series - The Miracle of Conception

The Miracle of Conception by leading Hunter artist Rachel Burgess is the first commission in the HMRI Series. Inspired by the research of Laureate Professor John Aitken, a world expert in fertility, it depicts our humble beginnings. A moment in time, when one egg and one sperm combine to produce a unique individual, is captured and enlarged to scale for our wonderment.

Professor Aitken, the 2005 recipient of the HMRI Award for Research Excellence, is a world expert in the field of human fertility. His research has included the development of techniques for diagnosing and treating male infertility and new approaches to reversible male contraception.

Rachel Burgess is an established artist, a tertiary educator and a PhD candidate of the University of Newcastle’s School of Fine Art. Her work has been exhibited within Australia and overseas.

The HMRI 2006 Art series is supported by Chris and Shirley Piggot, Rachel Burgess, Wide Horizons Framing and NCP.

Researcher Professor John Aitken and artist Rachel Burgess.