SHOWcabinet: Prosthetics takes a fresh look at a medical term

Last night saw the launch event for the new SHOWcabinet: Prosthetics exhibition in Knightsbridge and The Upcoming was there to take it all in.

The exhibition takes the current medical definition of prosthetics and fuses it with the ancient Greek definition “to add,” “to advance” or “to give power to”. The key pieces in the display are the leather sculptures by Una Burke. These pieces echo the look of armour or medical braces, but also remind us of the frailty of the human body encased inside.

Flanking Burke’s work is a collection of pieces from various artists all exploring prosthetics. The Braces collection by Kat Marks is inspired by her own personal experience with scoliosis and having to wear a brace. She has turned these medical and restrictive items into something of sexuality and confidence, bridging the gap between definitions.

Ana Rajcevic’s collection transcends the limits of jewellery and becomes more than a collection of articles of personal adornment; they are also works of art. Building on the skeleton, Rajcevic has created extensions to the body that reflect strength, power and sensuality.

Other pieces in the collection include the prosthetic legs worn by Aimee Mullins as a Chef de Mission for the Paralympic Games Opening Ceremony. As a “nod to innovation” Betony Vernon has painted gold wings on each leg, representing Icarus.

Pieces by Patrick Ian Hartley, Dai Rees, Kyle Hopkins, Naomi Filmer, Tara Dougans and Yiqing Yin can also be seen at the exhibition.

Indra Wignall

SHOWcabinet: Prosthetics runs from 18^th April until 31^st May at SHOWstudio, 19 Motcomb Street, London, SW1X 8LB.