The OddBalls Foundation launched a tongue-in-cheek public installation to confront male health taboos. The cancer charity unveiled a sparkling pair of anatomical sculptures dubbed the “Crown Jewels” in London. The exhibition intentionally uses humour to lower the defensive barriers men often build around their personal health and encourage regular self-checks.
Recent research commissioned by the charity reveals that over half of the surveyed men never discuss the issue with their friends, partners or family. Many men feel incredibly uncomfortable talking about this subject with a doctor. The study shows that 68 percent of men would avoid consulting a general practitioner immediately due to fear and embarrassment. The data indicate that men are much more likely to perform testing by themselves if they receive better education and actually know the key symptoms to look for.
The creative team at Taylor Herring developed this concept to address this communication failure. Mixed media artist Quentin Devine constructed the piece over two months. He meticulously hand set more than 500 individual high grade crystal stones to complete the detailed sculpture. The final artwork rests on a plush velvet cushion inside a secure glass case, mimicking the presentation of genuine royal artefacts.
This installation breaks the silence by placing the subject in highly trafficked public spaces. The sculpture serves as the centrepiece for a national awareness tour during the entire month of April. The display travels directly to the target demographic by visiting university campuses and major shopping centers and large sporting venues. The tour will then continue through the summer months to feature at various outdoor festivals.
The campaign strips away traditional medical terminology and replaces it with an accessible physical object. Volunteers staff the exhibition to hand out information and explain the simple checking procedure. This direct approach successfully demystifies the disease and provides men with the practical knowledge they need to monitor their own health.
Campaign Name: Crown Jewels
Agency Name: Taylor Herring
Brand Name: The OddBalls Foundation
Location: UK
