UNSAID

VANDAL Gallery presents: UNSAID by Rhiannon Abshoff (Jansma)
Photographed by Jacqui Turner

https://unsaidcollection.com/

UNSAID is a deeply personal photographic exhibition by Rhiannon Abshoff, opening in February at VANDAL Gallery in Redfern.

At just 32, Rhiannon’s life changed overnight with a breast cancer diagnosis while on maternity leave with her one-year-old son. With no family history or warning signs, she found herself navigating fertility decisions, surgery and intensive treatment, instead of returning to her advertising career. Feeling unprepared and overwhelmed, Rhiannon began documenting her experience to try and make sure others felt less alone if walking her same path. Through sharing her journey online, she hoped to encourage early check-ups, improve understanding of cancer treatment and support the 1 in 7 Australian women who will get breast cancer.

Working alongside photographer Jacqui Turner, who donated her time, Rhiannon’s treatment was captured with complete honesty. The physical changes, emotional weight, moments of fear, and small pockets of joy that existed and kept her going. What emerged is a raw and courageous record of what cancer truly looks like behind closed doors, far removed from its portrayal in popular culture. UNSAID was born from the need to see young faces, real bodies, and lived experiences reflected in conversations around cancer. It is an invitation to acknowledge the parts of cancer that often go unspoken, and to create space for understanding, connection and support.

This exhibition aims to educate, connect and empower patients, supporters, and the one in two who will receive a cancer diagnosis in their lifetime.

What to expect:

• A photographic exhibition documenting Rhiannon’s cancer treatment
• Illustrated trivia trading cards
• An interactive display inviting conversation and reflection on unspoken experiences
• A silent auction featuring an art print by photographer Minna Manu
• A short talk from Sydney Breast Cancer Foundation & Gather My Crew.

Proceeds from $10 entry donations and the silent auction will benefit patient care at The Kinghorn Cancer Centre.

To create a welcoming and supportive atmosphere, light refreshments and non-alcoholic beverages will be available, alongside a DJ to gently uplift the space around this important topic.

Event details:

Date: Thursday, February 12, 2026
Time: 6PM – 10:00 PM
Location: VANDAL Gallery, 16-30 Vine Street, Redfern NSW 2016
Entry: $10 donation to the Kinghorn Cancer Centre

Join us to create space for understanding, connection, and the stories that deserve to be heard. May we be people who live in the world with curiosity and kindness, who learn about the plight of others and lean in.

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Host or Publisher VANDAL Gallery