Photographs in the Justus Liebig House show scars after breast cancer surgeries
From October 19th to 30th, the Justus Liebig House in Darmstadt will host a photo exhibition entitled "Let Your Scars Shine" (LYSS), which explores the physical consequences of breast cancer. The exhibition focuses on women who consciously make their surgical scars visible, thereby challenging societal beauty standards.
The exhibition is organized by the Women's Office of the City of Darmstadt in cooperation with the association dasBUUSENKOLLEKTIV e. V. from Mühltal. The photographs show women whose scars are decorated with gold and glitter. They represent the personal confrontation with the illness, but also dignity, strength, and self-determination.
Scars as a sign of strength and will to live
The exhibition concept was inspired by the Japanese art of Kintsugi. This technique involves repairing broken ceramic objects with gold, deliberately leaving the fractures visible. Similarly, in the photographs, the surgical scars are not concealed, but rather highlighted.
The exhibition aims to encourage affected women to accept the changes in their bodies as part of their life story. At the same time, it seeks to contribute to a more open discussion about breast cancer and its consequences.
“Every scar tells a personal story. After breast cancer surgery, it is often hidden because it doesn't fit society's beauty ideal,” explains Mayor and Women's Affairs Officer Barbara Akdeniz. The exhibition, however, presents the scars as a testament to the will to live and strength.
Opening reception with lectures and opportunities for discussion
The official opening will take place on Wednesday, October 21st, at 5 pm. Mayor Barbara Akdeniz will welcome the guests.
Following this, Dr. Rhea Seehaus, co-founder and chairwoman of the association dasBUUSENKOLLEKTIV, Dr. Sandra Reinheimer, senior physician at the Darmstadt Women's Clinic, and Kristina Rasel from the association Weiterleben e. V. will speak.
In addition to the lectures, the focus will be on information about breast cancer, prevention, and support services. Visitors will also have the opportunity to ask questions and talk to each other.
The association from Mühltal developed the exhibition
The BUUSENKOLLEKTIV was founded during the Corona pandemic by women who had themselves been affected by breast cancer. The network, which now operates nationwide, is committed to raising awareness, breaking the taboo surrounding the disease, and increasing the visibility of those affected.
Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in Germany. According to the Robert Koch Institute, around 75,000 new cases were registered in 2023. Approximately one percent of new cases affect men. Statistically, roughly one in eight women will develop breast cancer during her lifetime.
The exhibition is therefore also intended to draw attention to the importance of early detection and a reliable support network.
The most important data
Exhibition: “Let Your Scars Shine” (LYSS) – Together against breast cancer
Period: October 19th to 23rd and October 26th to 30th, 2026
Location: Justus Liebig House, Foyer, Große Bachgasse 2, Darmstadt
Opening: Wednesday, October 21, 5 p.m.
Opening hours:
- Tuesday: 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- Wednesday: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Thursday: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- Friday: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Admission free
Further information:
(DARMSTADT – RED/PSD/stip)
