This artwork, entitled “Fragments of Peace”, is part of a collection of 5 pieces created within the scope of a project commemorating the palliative care service of the Portuguese Oncology Institute of Coimbra. The project, called “Cuid’arte”, was an invitation from this service that I accepted with immense honor, allowing me to merge my two worlds: my past as a nurse, especially in the palliative care field, and my present as an artist. It enables the merging of two purposes: creating art with meaning and shedding light on the true nature and importance of palliative care. This artwork follows a chronological order, although not mandatory and not always linear. This is the fifth piece of this “chronology”.

The artwork portrays the process of achieving peace through acceptance, even in the face of the adversities of terminal illness. Inspired by the idea that peace does not always come hand in hand with joy, but with acceptance of what cannot be changed, the illustration reflects on the importance of making the best of what we still have. The artwork aims to convey the idea that this desired peace does not come without effort or without profound changes. It’s probable that those involved have sacrificed or endured hardships along the journey, emerging somewhat bruised and broken by the time they reach this stage. Often, this peace is intrinsically linked to belief in something greater than ourselves and what is visible, and those who care for us contribute to achieving it. It could be religion or not, but the spirituality is often very important at this point.