Retrospect: The Individual Art of Collaboration in Reconstructive Surgery

Join Dr. Ron Israeli and Dr. Jonathan Bank on Sunday, September 29, from 1-3 PM at the Art League of Long Island for a reception that celebrates the opening of Retrospect: The Individual Art of Collaboration in Reconstructive Surgery.

Drs. Israeli and Bank are partners in more than just NYBRA Plastic Surgery: they are also frequent artistic collaborators. Drs. Israeli and Bank first met around the inception of Dr. Israeli’s lifecast project, “Restored” in 2012. From that point forward, they continued to explore the interplay between personal artistry and collaborative efforts in breast reconstruction. In addition to their joint works, each surgeon explored individual artistic projects that explored restoration and resilience. Retrospect looks back on those efforts to showcase individual and collaborative art projects by both physicians, with breast reconstruction and the intersection of art and surgery at the heart of each endeavor. Multiple projects also feature visual contributions from world-renowned photographer Erez Sabag.

The opening reception will feature refreshments alongside opportunities to purchase books with work from these projects. Proceeds from book sales benefit BreastReconstruction.org, a non-profit organization dedicated to improving breast reconstruction outcomes for every person at every stage. NYBRA Plastic Surgery is BreastReconstruction.org’s Founding Partner; Drs. Ron Israeli, Randall Feingold, Peter Korn, David Light, and Jonathan Bank all serve on the organization’s Board of Directors.

The exhibition will be on display September 28-October 18 at 107 E. Deer Park Road, Dix Hills NY, 11746. Read on to learn more about the individual projects it comprises!

Dr. Bank conceived “Reconstructed” (2018) with contributions from Dr. Israeli. The concept was inspired by the Japanese art of kintsugi, where gold is used to mend broken pottery, highlighting the beauty of the cracks and seams. Photography from Erez Sabag metaphorically represents the process of healing as an enhancement rather than repair.

“Before the After” (2021) offers unique insight into the unguarded moments just before and after surgery through clinical photos cropped by Dr. Bank to showcase subtle patient facial expressions. The project provides an intimate window into patients’ journeys, highlighting the vulnerable transitions that are rarely seen.

In 2021, Drs. Israeli and Bank revisited “Restored” in a joint effort that illustrates their evolving collaboration. Through a tactile medium, a series of sculptures provides unfiltered access into the physical transformation those who undergo post-mastectomy breast reconstruction experience. Photographs by Sabag further express the restorative nature of reconstructive surgery.

“Reblossom” saw light in 2023, spearheaded by Dr. Bank and Sabag, drawing an elegant parallel between the regeneration of flowers and the resilience of women undergoing mastectomy. The project’s photographs serve as powerful meditations on survival, renewal, and
the beauty in new beginnings.

Throughout these years, Dr. Israeli explored the collaborative surgical process through oil paintings. His work captures the concentrated efforts of surgical teams in the operating room, offering glimpses of the cooperative spirit inherent in the art of surgery.

This exhibit showcases how combined and individual efforts merge to form a narrative that is as educational as it is inspiring. The works emphasize the impact of collaborative creativity in the healing process and highlight the multifaceted nature of artistic expression in medicine and surgery. Their project timelines—each marking significant phases in their careers—add a chronological depth to the exhibit, allowing viewers to appreciate their evolutions as artists and surgeons.