THE CANARY PROJECTS
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 is a comprehensive
series of visual, performance and
conceptual art that encourages
examination of women's bodies, which
through illness and death, transmit
early warnings about environmental
dangers.
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Just as canaries in cages served that purpose for miners, the
growing rate of breast cancer indicates women may be fulfilling
that role for humanity as a whole. |
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are intended to raise critical issues about
the increase in women's cancers in relationship to the
introduction of manufactured chemicals such as DDT, dioxin, and
PCBs, into the environment. |
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The National Coalition on Breast Cancer refers to the rise in
these cancers as an epidemic. |
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Research completed within the last few years indicates that
organochlorines disrupt the body's hormonal functions. |
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In the Houston area, where we have a very high concentration of
chemical manufacturing plants, Superfund sites and toxic waste
incinerators, women of all ethnic backgrounds lead the state in
rates of breast cancer. |
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And when compared to the nation as a whole, the Houston area has
higher than average rates of several kinds of cancers. |
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acknowledge the allegorical role of woman as
metaphor for life, for living, for Mother Earth. |
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And seek to encourage artistic investigation
of women as apostles, carrying complex messages about the
environment and health. |
