ONCA first started working with the MAP Foundation (MAP) in 2014, when collaborating with MAP, Wellcome Images, Brighton Therapy Centre, and Sussex Community Health NHS Trust, with funding from Macmillan Cancer Support, to create a series of art workshops for people affected by cancer. This culminated in an exhibition, A Cancer Landscape, which formed part of the Brighton Science Festival in 2015. 

The MAP Foundation was created by artist Michele Angelo Petrone (1963 – 2007) as a way to use the creative arts to support people affected by cancer. ONCA supported this vision by hosting workshops to generate new images about the experience of living with cancer. The ground-breaking exhibition, A Cancer Landscape, juxtaposed the physical landscape using images of cancer cells with artworks depicting the emotional experiences of people affected by cancer. In 2016, following the success of this collaboration, and in recognition of shared values and person-centric approaches, the MAP Foundation gifted ONCA selected works of Michele Angelo Petrone, including paintings and prints documenting his early artistic development and his experience of living with cancer. The principal archive of the MAP Foundation, over 100 sketchbooks and a major exhibition of work relating to experiences of living with cancer, form part of the Wellcome Collection. 

During his career, Petrone created a significant body of work about living with a life-threatening illness, Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Creating vivid and expressive pieces that conveyed this period of his life, Michele’s art stands out for its authenticity and as a reminder that artistic practices can be used to process personal challenges and build community. He delivered art workshops across the UK with cancer patients, carers and healthcare professionals supporting them to express the emotional impact of cancer. Petrone’s most notable exhibitions are:

• The Emotional Cancer Journey (1997) – Explored Michele’s personal response to living with cancer and toured venues across Sussex, it was also published as a book. 
• Missing (2005) – An exhibition by Michele of the journey through loss and bereavement. 
• Touching the Rainbow (1999) – An exhibition by people living with cancer and carers who Michele worked with and supported to ‘colour their feelings’ through their journey with illness. 
• Moving Pictures (2001 – 2003) – Images by healthcare professionals documenting the emotional challenges of working with people living with cancer produced by Michele. 

The MAP Collection has informed an inherent part of ONCA’s culture, being instructive in centring care and approaching creativity as a way of accessing fuller health for all life and living systems. Recent manifestations of his legacy can be found in the NHS Wellbeing Project, which ONCA began in 2018, and our work with eco-emotions through projects such as the Climate Cafe. These projects centre the emotional wellbeing of NHS workers and climate activists respectively, recognising the immense pressure both groups come under. The aim of both projects is to create restorative spaces where people can decompress and connect with community through creative activities, somatic exercises, massage and conversation. 

‘Rest is an essential part of recuperation of the body and soul, and both require nourishment as well. For me, music, art and poetry feed my inner self.’

– Michele Angelo Petrone, The Emotional Cancer Journey.

Michele’s artwork have also been displayed in several exhibitions at ONCA over the years including:

• A Cancer Landscape (2015) 
• A Cancer Landscape (2016)
• MAP Collection (2016) 
• HEAL (2023)
• Made With Love (2024)

It’s been an honour to work with the MAP Collection over the years, with each exhibition supporting a deeper understanding of Michele’s life and continuing legacy. Now, as ONCA winds down, we’re looking to re-home the collection, and will be holding a final exhibition: Journey of the Soul, 15 – 17 August, 2024.

The hope is that in sharing Micheles’ artwork and story through this exhibition ONCA will create space for people to be affected and inspired by his legacy. If you’re interested in purchasing any of the artworks then we encourage you to attend the exhibition for which there will be a private viewing on Wednesday 14 August, 6:30 – 8:30pm. Alternatively you can book an appointment with ONCA’s curator to discuss artworks on Monday 19 August, 1:00 – 4:30pm. If you’d like to see the works ahead of time, please visit the MAP Collection Catalogue.