Ma cicatrice, mon hymne à la vie

Through a series of black-and-white portraits, the exhibition showcases the scars of people born with congenital heart disease who have undergone open-heart surgery. Often located on the sternum, this mark becomes a symbol here: a symbol of a journey, a struggle, and above all, of life. With a raw and deeply human aesthetic, the photographs reveal women, men, and children who choose to display their scars with pride. It’s a way to change perceptions of these often-invisible heart defects and to transform a trace of the past into a celebration of life, resilience, and rebirth. Raising awareness for a cause that affects 1 in 100 children. Founded in 2014, Petit Cœur de Beurre is a national nonprofit organization accredited as a “healthcare system user” organization. It works to improve care for people born with congenital heart disease and their families, focusing on three missions: supporting patients and their loved ones, assisting hospitals, and raising awareness about congenital heart disease. In France, 1 in 100 children is born with a congenital heart defect, affecting more than 250,000 adults. This exhibition is part of a broader campaign. In fact, the exhibition is being held in conjunction with the Course des Petits Cœurs, organized by Petit Cœur de Beurre from September 15 to October 15, 2026, to mark World Heart Day. Open to participants throughout France and abroad, it offers the option to take on a 2-, 6-, or 10-km challenge, either walking or running. The registration fee is €10 per person, plus a €1 processing fee, and the funds raised this year will help finance reclining chairs in hospital wards, allowing parents to stay with their hospitalized children. A first step toward a lasting partnership. This exhibition marks the first step in a collaboration between NICETOILE and Petit Cœur de Beurre. The two partners hope to continue this initiative in 2027 through a partnership centered on NICETOILE’s Carnival workshops, with all proceeds going to the association. Through this collaboration, NICETOILE continues its commitment to making its cultural and event programming a space for discovery, awareness, and solidarity in the heart of Nice.