Imagine a world 77 million years ago, where towering dinosaurs roamed lush landscapes, unaware of a hidden condition developing within their own bodies. It may be hard to believe, but the discovery of a dinosaur fossil with osteosarcoma in 2020 showed that cancer has existed for as long as life itself. And yet, even today, cancer continues to be one of humanity’s most complex challenges. 
 
With diagnoses on the rise, we are left asking: Why now? The answer is both simple and profound people are living longer, and while age is a key factor, it’s not the only one. Cancer has become a shared part of our human journey, affecting millions of lives, families, and futures. 
 
In his latest groundbreaking work, Vincent Devine, in collaboration with Prof. William Gallagher (Full Professor of Cancer Biology, University College Dublin and Co-Lead, All-Island Cancer Research Institute) and a team of experts and patient advocates, captures this journey through art. Devine’s painting is not just a reflection of the past, present, and future of cancer research; it’s a vivid portrayal of hope and resilience. His brushstrokes tell stories both within and beyond the lab—stories of lives affected by cancer, the hard work of finding a cure, and how science is revealing the secrets of our biology. 
 
At the heart of this artwork is the All-Island Cancer Research Institute (AICRI; www.aicri.org), a beacon of collaboration, bringing together scientists, healthcare professionals, and patients from across the island of Ireland. Their goal is clear: to change the way we prevent, diagnose, treat, and support cancer patients. Every detail in the painting is imbued with the stark realities of cancer—reflecting the precise, methodical advances in scientific discovery that have brought us so far, while also aiming to capture the emotional and lived experiences of patients. This work bridges the two worlds of rigorous research and personal struggle, connected by the vibrant hope that fuels future breakthroughs in cancer treatment and evidence-based care. 
 
While cancer may be a formidable challenge, it is one we can confront together, with science, with compassion, and with hope. This exhibition is a call to challenge the way we see cancer. It invites us, as a human race, to stand together as citizens of a planet. 
 
This exhibition will take place on the ground floor of Dundrum Shopping Centre, Ballinteer, Dublin. 
 
Find more information on www.aicri.org/events