Nigerian sculptor John Amanam has revolutionised the field of medical prosthetics by becoming the first African to design hyper-realistic pieces specifically for dark skin tones. His work responds to a historical need: for decades, African wearers could hardly find prostheses that reflected their real appearance.
The idea came from a personal experience. After the amputation of a family member, Amanam realised how difficult it was to find a prosthesis that did not stand out because of its colour. Thus his first prototype was born: a hand made of silicone, with details such as veins, wrinkles and nails, designed to mimic his brother's skin.
In 2017, he founded Immortal Cosmetic Art, a workshop based in Uyo City. Since then, he has crafted custom prosthetic hands, ears, legs, noses and even breasts for more than 200 clients, while hundreds more wait on a waiting list. Each piece is handcrafted and can take weeks to complete.
Prostheses are not only aesthetically realistic; they also represent an empowerment tool for the wearer. According to Amanam, many people avoid going out in public after an amputation because of the stigma attached to it. Providing a more natural appearance helps them regain confidence and normality in their daily lives.
The initiative has attracted the attention of international media such as Reuters, Hyperallergic and Word in Black, which underline the importance of this advance in terms of inclusion and representation. With prices starting at around 110 euros, Amanam is now looking for ways to scale up production, reduce costs and train new African artisans.
In a continent where the medical industry has long ignored the physical peculiarities of its population, John Amanam's work marks a before and after. It shows how art and innovation can transform lives when put at the service of his community.
Source: hyperallergic.com