The Cancer Sweet

A solo exhibition by Ivan Riascos

Opening Reception: Saturday, November 8, 2025 from 4-6 pm

On view by appointment: November 8-December 13

Exhibition Statement: I was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2022, a biopsy revealing a low-risk, slow-growing cancer. Due to age, yearly check-ups were undertaken. That initial reassurance was short-lived. Just one year later, numbers rose, and further tests revealed there was more cancer within the prostate. Faced with difficult choices, a radical prostatectomy was elected.

The artwork, collectively titled “The Cancer Sweet,” is a diaristic chronicle, visually and emotionally charting the journey from initial diagnosis through the challenges and triumphs of recovery. This artwork also marks my return to drawing. Drawing is intuitive and direct; it is a powerful form of expression because it can convey ideas and emotions that are difficult to put into words. Visuals can transcend language, allowing for a more universal form of communication, bridging the gap between an experience and an abstract idea, allowing others to connect with the concept.