Susan Sontag observed in Illness as Metaphor, “Cancer is a rare and still scandalous subject for poetry; and it seems unimaginable to aestheticize the disease.” Her commentary underscores the general taboo surrounding frank discussions of illness. Although written decades ago, this sentiment remains relevant, as societal norms still dictate a limited perspective on how we portray cancer. The extensively militarized language around this disease can stifle deeper, more humane explorations of the experience of being ill.
Annie Ernaux’s The Use of Photography represents fearlessness in confronting breast cancer. Ernaux treats her sick body, on the brink of death, as capable of sensuality. By portraying it as a site of generative intimacy, she radically reclaims the narrative surrounding illness. This book boldly challenges conventional notions of sickness, emphasizing that life and sexuality persist even in the face of looming mortality. Thus, Ernaux offers a refreshing perspective on what an ill body can symbolize.
In The Use of Photography, Ernaux collaborates with Marc Marie, alternating personal writing with photographs documenting their relationship. The choice to showcase discarded clothing also transcends mere aesthetics; it stands as a metaphor for vulnerability, intimacy, and the transience of life. Every piece of clothing narrates stories, holding memories as well as silence, reflecting how entwined their love was even as illness encroached. These visuals deepen the work's exploration of love and mortality.
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