After image.

Phantom limbs.

[United Kingdom] : 1997.

1 photograph : colour print on aluminium ; 76 cm x 57 cm x 0.2cm.

Exhibited in “Medicine Now” at Wellcome Collection, London, 2007-2019.

Curatorial notes: The occurrence of phantom limbs continues to intrigue, raising interesting questions about the relationship between the body of an individual as it is seen by others and the experience of living in that body. This work investigates ideas about the connection between identity and body-form from a philosophical perspective, and also to question public attitudes to physical differences and disabilities.

JN was 35 years old when she was involved in a road accident and lost her left hand. “I have had the phantom ever since, although it’s not there all the time. When the pain increases it seems to be larger; it is definitely heavier than a normal limb. I can open and close my hand, and this helps to ease the pain. I seem to be able to move it like a normal limb, but the joints are very large, and its much stiffer. I am not aware of the wrist at all, not even aware that there is a wrist, but I can clench and move the fingers individually… When I start trying to move the limb the phantom doesn't go with the part that I have got left. Most of the time the phantom just feels flat; I have to think about it to make it a solid form. I wasn't born like this and obviously I do miss my arm, yet sometimes the phantom pain makes me feel whole again.”—sitters’ comments from artist’s website.

Wellcome Collection 3198164i