In an unexpected fusion of art, health, and social awareness, Georgia CORE (Center for Oncology Research & Education) has launched “Weird Looking Stools,” a bold public campaign designed to spark life-saving conversations about colon cancer, the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States.
Developed in partnership with the creative agency Chemistry, the campaign uses artistic innovation to make an uncomfortable topic impossible to ignore. At the center of the initiative are a series of unique, handcrafted stools created by Atlanta-based artist Julian Scalia, who is known for his work on major Marvel Studios productions as an assistant art director.
Each stool is a piece of conceptual art—visually interpreting real symptoms of colon cancer, from changes in color and texture to irregular shapes. The result is a collection that’s as unsettling as it is visually compelling, designed to grab attention and provoke reflection.
Installed in restaurants, bars, galleries, and cultural venues across Georgia, every stool features a QR code leading viewers to information about screening programs, symptom recognition, and early detection tools. The campaign aims to reach adults aged 25 to 54, a demographic increasingly at risk for colorectal cancer yet often unaware of early warning signs.
“By turning something awkward into something creative, we want to make it easier to talk about,” said a Georgia CORE spokesperson. “If even one person scans a code, books a screening, and catches cancer early, that’s a victory.”
Beyond the installations, Weird Looking Stools is supported by a multi-platform media strategy, including 50 live billboards across the state and 19 additional ones launching on October 20th. The campaign extends across digital and social channels, encouraging users to share, engage, and spread awareness through humor and visual storytelling.
According to public health experts, the campaign’s timing is crucial. Colon cancer is projected to become the leading cause of cancer-related deaths among Americans under 50 by 2030. The hope is that by reshaping public perception through creativity, Georgia CORE can help normalize discussions about prevention and empower people to take action early.
The combination of artistic vision and social purpose transforms Weird Looking Stools from a simple awareness campaign into a powerful community movement—one that invites people to sit down, take notice, and talk about what truly matters: saving lives.
