WHAT?
An Artist collective whoʼs aim is to shed light and raise awareness on Breast Cancer. We are challenged on a regular basis by the threat of this silent disease. More and more so having conversations with friends and family receiving a diagnosis and then the waiting game. The fear of this disease challenges equally Women and Men. As artists we are privileged to use our art as a medium to enlighten and educate, by supporting and finding ways to prevent and combat this disease.
Anne-Marie Bickerton Photographer
WHY?
Statistics show that Breast cancer is the most common cancer in the UK, with 1 woman diagnosed every 10 mins of whom 32 die every day.
Around 55,000 women and 370 men are diagnosed with breast cancer in the Uk every year .
ARTISTS
WHO?
PILUCA
www.pilucaworld.com @pilucaworld.art
Born in Madrid, Piluca came to London in the 1990's and has lived in Brixton, South London ever since.
"I DIDN'T CHOOSE TO BECOME AN ARTIST, I WAS BORN ONE. I HAVE CREATED FOR AS LONG AS I CAN REMEMBER BEING ALIVE. BEING AN ARTIST IS NOT A CHOICE BUT A NEED. MY ULTIMATE AIM IS TO CONNECT, ELICIT A RESPONSE AND TO INSPIRE THROUGH MY PRACTICE"
ANNE-MARIE BICKERTON
www.bickertongallery.com @annemarie.artnews
@photosannemariebickerton
"I have been working as a professional photographer in the media for the past 37 years. I always painted and experimented with printing techniques at a time when darkroom printing was the norm. Getting messy was a must. The darkroom held an exciting possibility of happy experiments and successful mistakes. Running along side this was my passion for oil paints that I muddled through blissful in my ignorance of technique. I draw inspiration from the people I photograph and my love of lighting that spills into all areas of creating". Being able to use my collection of experience and techniques collected through my career to help raise awareness of such a worthy cause is a true pleasure.
@bustout.art
We are very excited to share with you the BUSTOUT X 100 EXHIBITION
Just over two years ago, this project was conceived. BUSTOUT came to life through a shared vision between me and fellow artist Piluca. Together, we decided to use our artistic talents to raise awareness for a deeply important cause.
Running a gallery and studio provided a unique space that naturally attracted people from all walks of life. It was here that Piluca and I began shaping this project, unaware of the incredible impact it would eventually have. What started as a simple idea blossomed into a movement involving 99 women and one man, each contributing their support—whether through personal experiences or simply because they believed in the project’s mission to raise awareness.
One of the first participants to step in front of my camera was Rachel. Her session was unforgettable—an emotional and powerful experience. Rachel was a survivor, and she shared a statement that has since become a rallying cry for the project. When faced with her diagnosis, she said, “I’VE GOT SHIT TO DO.” Her attitude was clear: cancer was an inconvenience she refused to let dictate her life. Her strength and determination inspired us all.
We interviewed Rachel and her husband, Alistair, and were moved by their resilience and approach to simply “getting on with it.” Their story set the tone for many others to come—open, honest, and deeply personal accounts of navigating life with cancer.
Throughout this journey, I photographed women at various stages of their battles. Some were preparing for mastectomies or lumpectomies, using the photos to document their bodies before surgery. Others revealed fresh scars, healing reconstructions, or lasting reminders of their journeys. Each story, each photograph, added a layer of meaning to this project.
As I often said, this art piece represents every age and every stage, capturing the essence of those who wanted to contribute to raising awareness. From behind the camera, I had the privilege of listening to their stories, gaining an intimate understanding of their experiences. It was a humbling process.
The photographs are intentionally simple, presented in black and white. Each image is accompanied by minimal details: age, bra size, and occupation—an honest document showcasing how breast cancer affects people indiscriminately, regardless of age, race, or background. It is unapologetically inclusive.
I hope these images inspire viewers to pause, reflect, and grow in empathy and awareness. Each of us can make a difference.
In addition to the photographs, Piluca created a beautiful animation featuring Boo and Bee—two characters that communicate important messages in a universal, visually engaging way. Their simplicity transcends language barriers, making people smile while conveying the gravity of the cause.
We were fortunate to collaborate with Lisa Allen of The Pink Ribbon Foundation. Her relentless energy and creativity in organizing events and raising both funds and awareness for breast cancer have been truly inspiring. Partnering with her has been an honor.
If our work contributes even a small part to this important mission, we will have made a difference.
Finally, myself and Piluca want to thank everyone who generously gave their time, shared their stories, and courageously participated in this project. Your bravery and support have been the heart of BUSTOUT.
Rachael McEwen talks to us about her experience with Breast Cancer
A beautifully honest interview about her experience and journey with Breast Cancer. Acceptance, moving on, friends, family and being true to yourself. Rachael has a wonderful energy and attitude to make you deal with whatever life will throw at you and keeping strong.
Gemma Oakes talks to us about her experience with Breast Cancer
When BUSTOUT was conceived back in 2022 a collection of stories from women who had experienced Breast Cancer personally and those who had been connected to others started to unfold. It was at this point that the idea of BUSTOUT 100 came to be realised. Anne-Marie and Piluca shared a vision to help raise awareness through our arts. Gemma steped up to tell her story in a beautifully simple and honest account. We sat with her and listened and learnt from her experience. Take a moment and also listen to Gemma's account and continue to help raise awareness of Breast Cancer learning from the most knowledgeable, those who have experienced it.
https://youtu.be/XlLy4D-K1Kk?si=QC-nG1Ydwk4ZFi9G
For the full chat.
As you listen to the message conveyed in this short video take a moment to reflect on sharing the simple message. Cancer is not prejudice but all inclusive and whatever age you are or what size you are or what walk of life you chose cancer does not descriminate. Check yourself and Know your normal. Early diagnosis saves lives.
Thank you to all who took part in this project and helped to makes some noise and continue to raise awareness of Breast Cancer.
Exhibited at The Firepit Gallery in North Greenwich. 06/03/2025
We remember those still fighting and those we have lost.
Our chosen charity to support is THE PINK RIBBON FOUNDATION
You can follow the link to help support this charity and donate as little or as much as you are able. Just know that all donations make a difference.