This Thursday, June 20, marked the inauguration of the GIN Center and the opening of artist Léa Vandeveld’s exhibition. These works, both poetic and profoundly feminine, resonated with the mission of the GIN Center in supporting women at every stage of their lives.
In the heart of Nice, near the Negresco, the GIN Center opened its doors with a vernissage by Léa Vandeveld. Under the banner “Human First,” the GIN Center aims to redefine women’s healthcare. The works of the painter, Léa Vandeveld, accompany them in their care or healing process. They also enhance the spaces and draw the attention of everyone at the center. These are works from a committed and forward-looking artist who places women and femininity at the heart of her art.
Inauguration of the GIN Center © Vicky Warocquier
Between care and dedication
At 6:30 PM, guests and local personalities gathered to discover the GIN Center and the vernissage. This place aims to offer a variety of services ranging from general gynecology to specializations, integrating complementary disciplines for overall well-being. This is echoed by Dr. Kaïs Razzouk, a cancer surgeon specialized in breast diseases: “We created the GIN center with a whole team of doctors, gynecologists, surgeons, and also paramedical staff like physiotherapists, nurses to address all women’s health issues in a unique, dedicated, and specialized place.”
Under the “Human First” banner, the GIN Center offers a holistic and innovative approach. “Holistic is a concrete reality here, meaning comprehensive. Today, in our center, we treat a woman as a whole. For instance, we know how much breast cancer can affect a woman’s life, not only health-wise but also in terms of femininity. And so we are here to address all the anxieties related to this disease,” he adds. This approach takes into account the individual needs of each woman.
“Changing women’s view of their health”
A unique meeting highlighting the importance of supporting women medically and culturally. Offering them a space where they will be understood and valued. As Kaïs Razzouk mentions: “The goal is to build a relationship with the patient throughout her care journey. And especially to change women’s perspective on their health and certain diseases. There has been a movement in recent years about a violence felt by women during certain exams, certain approaches, a dehumanized aspect in some structures… So we want to make the acts benevolent“
Medical office of the GIN Center © Vicky Warocquier
Everyone involved
While the center focuses on the specific needs of women. The importance of including other members should not be overlooked. In this spirit, the GIN Center welcomes men in a supportive and understanding role. A way to provide resources and information necessary to better understand the issues surrounding women’s health. This is mentioned by Mrs. Maty Diouf, Deputy Mayor, delegate of the fight against discrimination, and women’s rights: “This inauguration is 50/50. I find that more and more, men are getting involved with and engaging in the theme of women’s health. Because the future of men is them. They are mothers, wives, and women. They have multiple lives, and it is important to take care of their health.”
She adds: “It’s important for a center like this to offer a wide range of care for women. So they feel in a cozy place that resembles them. Where each of them, regardless of their origin, skin color, or situation, can come here and benefit from the establishment’s expertise and the doctors who put their heart into their work.”
Two worlds coming together
Léa Vandeveld’s art accompanies the inauguration of this GIN Center. Works celebrating femininity and the strength of women also reflect the center’s values. She mentions: “We wanted to associate painting with health. I created works related to their energy: health, women, and life. And it’s an honor because it touches women, and also because I was healed here, and mostly, it’s an honor because there’s such caring listening from the doctors.”
In this center, Léa Vandeveld has been able to bring these two worlds together: “I really wanted to highlight acrylics, color sprays, pastels with large formats ranging from two to three meters. And the further you go into the back room, the more you discover the concept of make-up for Art. It’s an innovative eco-friendly concept, painting with recycled makeup on canvas, and it has become my artistic identity today,” she explains.
An innovative concept
Léa Vandeveld’s art © Vicky Warocquier
The concept of the GIN Center is innovative, allowing for genuine diversity in a single place. In a safe space, with a large medical team, the GIN center has chosen this innovative concept.
It also ties into Léa Vandeveld’s vision: “I grew up in Indonesia, and I’ve always painted. One day, I didn’t have my materials with me, and someone suggested I find a solution. So, I took my mom’s makeup bag and started painting with it. Then, it was suggested that when we came back to France, I propose this type of painting. The advantage is that I collaborate with big and smaller brands. I collect all the expired or forgotten makeup because so much gets left behind and there’s a lot of waste in this industry. So it gives a second life, a responsible message to the world, a needed reminder, even in this field.”
