Tracey Derrick's 'One in Nine' Project

By exhibiting this work, I hope to deepen the knowledge

about breast cancer and show that the value of trauma

is a chance to find oneself.

~ Tracey Derrick

Recently, I came across the online site "I Am Woman | Leap of Faith", a South African television series. Among its many interesting stories about women and the redefining moments in their lives is the one told below, about the remarkable documentary photographer Tracey Derrick, who, in 2008, was diagnosed with breast cancer. Derrick's response to her diagnosis was to make herself the object of self-investigation and understanding by creating a visual diary of her own illness, treatment, and survival. She also made portraits of other breast-cancer survivors. Derrick's moving photographic project is titled One in Nine. 

In the three short videos below, produced for "I Am Woman", Derrick recounts her story and the decisions she had to make at each step of her journey to heal from cancer. 

Part 1



Part 2



Part 3

Derrick's One in Nine project was first exhibited in the fall of 2010 and, in 2012, was selected for Grahamstown National Arts Festival Think!Fest. 

View a selection of Tracey Derrick's One in Nine photographs at her Website.

I Am Woman Series