Sculptor and artist Sophie combines art, technology and science to create out of this world artificial limbs, they are wearable pieces of art for performance and exhibition. In 2011 she started The Alternative Limb Project and has exhibited her work all over the world at museums and art galleries. Barata works with many highly skilled workers in cutting edge technology fields and traditional craft to complete the projects.
The studio offers bespoke products to amputees that either blend in with their bodies or stand out as wearable pieces of art. Her clients have included Paralympic athletes, musicians, models and video game companies.
Before the Alternative Limb Project Sophie worked for almost a decade for a medical prosthetic provider making realistic fingers, toes, partial feet, and partial hands. She also worked on film productions making prosthetics, wigs and creature effects.
The limbs cost from around £3,000 to £8,000 each, all depending on how much work goes into it. They can take up to three months to finish. What sets her creations apart is the unwavering commitment to blending artistry with functionality. Each one is a unique masterpiece, meticulously crafted to embody the wearer's identity and often to tell their story.
From limbs adorned with intricate floral patterns to ones inspired by sci-fi fantasies, Barata's designs span a diverse range of styles and themes. She collaborates closely with her clients, encouraging them to actively participate in the design process and ensuring that the final product is as close to their vision as possible.
Beyond their aesthetic appeal, Barata's prosthetic limbs serve a very real psychological purpose. By providing individuals with the opportunity to reclaim ownership of their bodies and express themselves in ways they never thought possible, her creations empower wearers to embrace their uniqueness and celebrate their individuality.
For many amputees, wearing a prosthetic limb can be a constant reminder of loss and disability. However, Barata's alternative limbs offer a different perspective, transforming what was once perceived as a limitation into a powerful form of self-expression and empowerment.
In a world where conformity all to often reigns supreme, the Alternative Limb Project serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration. By reimagining prosthetic limbs as works of art, she has not only revolutionized the field of prosthetics but also transformed the lives of countless individuals.
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