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"Very few artists have retained as thorough archives as Matuschka." 

– John Henley, ASA

SUMMARY

Matuschka is a New York City artist and activist who made headline news in 1993 when her controversial self-portrait Beauty out of Damage appeared on the cover of The Sunday New York Times Magazine baring her mastectomy scar. This historical image was instrumental in launching the breast cancer movement while helping women and men worldwide deal with a subject that was once taboo. By the mid-nineties, Beauty Out of Damage became one of the most published pictures in the world appearing on hundreds of international news programs, newspapers, books, TV shows and documentaries. In 2003 and again in 2011 LIFE books included Beauty Out of Damage in a special book edition entitled "100 Photographs That Changed the World.” 

​One half of Matuschka’s extensive archive focuses on a central theme: art, activism and mobilization in the early 90s and how one woman turned anger, frustration, rejection, objection and grief into action. Matuschka’s modus operandi could be summed up this way: the artist lost a breast and the world gained an activist.

Most of Matuschka's archives are stored in archival boxes and museum portfolio cases located in Bergen County, New Jersey in a climate-controlled storage facility. This room has electricity, and the collection may be viewed easily on tables there. An abbreviated, but significant part of the collection, remains at the artist’s studio in New York City. The inventory is categorized but not indexed.

Matuschka's archive can be split in two : A Visual Chronicle (1968-2025) and The Breast Cancer Action Archive (1991-2013) or be obtained in its entirety. Individual pieces may be acquired in some cases.

The Breast Cancer Action Archive (1991-2026)

 The Breast Cancer Action Archive, chronicles the artists’ history as it pertains to launching the breast cancer movement with W.H.A.M! in the early 90s and the success of Beauty out of Damage: an historical image which took 2 years to create (1991-1993) and has had a 35 year life span thus far. The inventory includes media in all formats: cassette and audio tapes, slides, drawings, photographs, letters, press, books, wardrobe, stickers, posters, digital media, cd’s, dvds, brochures, pamphlets, catalogues and  makes for an exciting exhibition and permanent installation. This extensive inventory not only showcases the success of the image, but also the failures, rejections and objections to The New York Times decision to publish this controversial self-portrait on their Sunday magazine cover.

This dynamic, engaging and interactive story reveals how one woman’s work, after being rejected by 53 publications, became headline news worldwide while launching an important movement of awareness and empowerment in the early 90s. The multitude of different types of artifacts and the backdrop on which these items were made creates a conversation-inspiring experience only found when a significant contribution was made to society. This collection serves as an educational research laboratory for historians and academics as well as an historical documentation of a news worthy body of work that made an impact on the world.​​​​ ​The collection is a vital resource for historians, scholars, and students who are studying the interplay between art and socio-political movements. Matuschka is renowned for works that have pushed the boundaries of conventional art and photography. Her archives contain pieces that were among the first to openly challenge societal norms and ignite conversations around topics that were previously considered taboo. This makes the archives a treasure trove for those looking to explore art that has not only mirrored but also molded public discourse.

 Artifacts Available in The Breast Cancer Action Archive:

  • The entire New York Times Sunday Magazine (1993) featuring Matuschka's artwork on the cover and inside pages with interview

  • Fine art limited edition prints, (20 x 24”) & (16 x 20") signed and printed by the artist (1993)

  • International and National magazines that reprinted The New York Times Cover on their cover (1993-1998)

  • 1500 Letters to The New York Times editor (1993)

  • Correspondence from The New York Times Editor to Matuschka (1993-2011)

  • Matuschka’s Pulitzer nomination presentation by The New York Times (1993)

  • Photographs of organizations using The New York Times cover in demonstrations

  • National and International Press: Hundreds of newspaper and magazine articles (1993-2018)​

Other Pertinent Items:​

  • Approximately 30 drawings by Matuschka that laid the foundation for the breast cancer series (1991-1993)

  • Vote for Yourself: 1991 iconic photographic and first image to illustrate the breast cancer epidemic

  • Vote for Yourself: 1992 iconic poster co-created with W.H.A.M

  • Plaster Casts (1990-1994)

  • The “White Dress” created specifically for Beauty Out of Damage (1992) used for the cover of The New York Times

  • Original drawings of the white dress as a blue print for the photograph that would ultimately be called Beauty Out of Damage.

  • Proof prints, contact sheets, and slides (1991-1993)

  • Two dozen printed posters

  • Photographs of Matuschka wearing her poster art at demonstrations (1991-1994)

  • Photographs of the activist group W.H.A.M! demonstrating in NYC with Matuschka’s breast cancer images (1991-1993)

  • Activism Stickers created by W.H.A.M!

  • Postcards and catalogues worldwide

  • Invitations to charity events and art exhibitions using Beauty Out of Damage worldwide

  • Dozens of framed and 3-Dimensional Awards

  • Merchandise using Matuschka's artwork including T-shirts

Written Matter

  • Interviews with the artist published (1991-2014)

  • Matuschka’s published articles and essays (1991-present)

  • Doctoral theses by women using Matuschka’s historic image as their subject (1992-present)

  • Fan Mail (1991-present)

  • Hate mail (1993-1995)

  • E-Mail from LIFE requesting Beauty out of Damage for tribute One Hundred Photographs that Changed the World (2003 & 2011)

  • Matuschka’s book proposals to publishers, agents, etc. (1991-2014)

  • Correspondence from agents and publishers (1991-2014)

  • Rejection letters from publishers (1991-1999)

  • Unpublished chapters from Beauty Out of Damage by Matuschka

  • Letters to and from Breast Cancer survivors (1991-2004)

  • E-Mails from breast cancer survivors and fans (1999-present)

  • Individuals’ Letters to the Editors of various national and international publications (1993-1999)

  • Hundreds of magazines and other printed matter using Matuschkas’ breast cancer imagery

Tapes: Audio and Visual

  • Approximately 100 Radio, News Stations, TV programs, documentaries, movies, and specials including B roll footage (1991-present)

  • Fox 5 footage of Matuschka and W.H.A.M.* Demonstrating in NYC (1991-1993)

  • Documentary footage from the Dutch movie Part Time God chronicling Matuschka’s operation (including the removal of her breast) her chemo treatments, and her activism over a two year period (1991-1992)

  • The final film: Part Time God (1992)

Matuschka’s Library: (1991-present)

There are about 75 books in the library collection pertaining to the artists’ breast cancer activism and involvement. This includes rare and out of print editions.​​​​​​​​​

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