If You Have Starry Skies in Your Eyes

Rib (JP)

In Japan, prosthetic eyes have been designed to mimic real eyes. This seemingly rational approach is deeply rooted in the unique rules of Japan's prosthetic eye industry, also from the concept of prevailing societal norms. Given such a background , it has been impossible to realize individual wishes  such as "I want a prosthetic eye with a slightly larger pupil to match my colored contact lens" or "I would like to have a prosthetic eye with blue irises", and officially approved prosthetic eye manufacturers  have refused to produce such custom-made prosthetic eyes. 

Against this backdrop, I am challenging societal preconceptions about prosthetic eyes through this project. The prosthetic eye that I created and I am wearing, has integrated a magnetic sensor, an LED light, and a battery encapsulated in medical-grade acrylic resin. This enhances the prosthetic eye, which becomes an object of desire for individuality and self-expression instead of a mere orbital prothesis. The eye gets lit up by a magnet sensor. This prosthetic eye leaves a strong impression on people and encourages a new perception about prosthetic eyes. 

This project originated from my personal background.  With my interactive prosthetic eye, I am challenging the societal gaze that often makes people with disabilities feel ‘invisible’, ‘untouchable’, and as if they should ‘be kept hidden’. Therefore, this project  offers people with disabilities more options for self-expression, and it encourages people to come out of hiding.  

In Japanese society, physical impairments, including the wearing of prosthetic eyes, are often perceived negatively. However, through this glowing prosthetic eye project, I aim to showcase the unique charm and potential of physical differences, arguing for the importance of not hiding these attributes but proudly bringing them to the forefront. I hope this project will promote the acceptance and understanding of diversity beyond prevailing attitudes and broaden the range of choices for individuals to express themselves.

In Japan, prosthetic eyes have been designed to mimic real eyes. This seemingly rational approach is deeply rooted in the unique rules of Japan's prosthetic eye industry, also from the concept of prevailing societal norms. Given such a background , it has been impossible to realize individual wishes  such as "I want a prosthetic eye with a slightly larger pupil to match my colored contact lens" or "I would like to have a prosthetic eye with blue irises", and officially approved prosthetic eye manufacturers  have refused to produce such custom-made prosthetic eyes. 

Against this backdrop, I am challenging societal preconceptions about prosthetic eyes through this project. The prosthetic eye that I created and I am wearing, has integrated a magnetic sensor, an LED light, and a battery encapsulated in medical-grade acrylic resin. This enhances the prosthetic eye, which becomes an object of desire for individuality and self-expression instead of a mere orbital prothesis. The eye gets lit up by a magnet sensor. This prosthetic eye leaves a strong impression on people and encourages a new perception about prosthetic eyes. 

This project originated from my personal background.  With my interactive prosthetic eye, I am challenging the societal gaze that often makes people with disabilities feel ‘invisible’, ‘untouchable’, and as if they should ‘be kept hidden’. Therefore, this project  offers people with disabilities more options for self-expression, and it encourages people to come out of hiding.  

In Japanese society, physical impairments, including the wearing of prosthetic eyes, are often perceived negatively. However, through this glowing prosthetic eye project, I aim to showcase the unique charm and potential of physical differences, arguing for the importance of not hiding these attributes but proudly bringing them to the forefront. I hope this project will promote the acceptance and understanding of diversity beyond prevailing attitudes and broaden the range of choices for individuals to express themselves.

www.righteyerib.com/work

Artist: Rib 

Videos, Shooting: Shiki Sakai 

With support from: Sam Murai

Rib (JP) As a child, she lost the sight in her right eye due to an incident in a dysfunctional family. Although she began wearing a prosthetic eye for the first time as an adult, she felt uncomfortable with the situation in the prosthetic eye industry, which only gave her the option of choosing a "concealed" design, so she designed a prosthetic eye with a starry sky pattern that she now wears on a daily basis. She began her career as an actor and a prosthetic eye artist in 2021 after appearing on the NHK ETV series Bari bara (shorthand for "Barrier-free Variety"). CREATIVE HACK AWARD 2022 Grand Prize Winner.

Rib (JP) As a child, she lost the sight in her right eye due to an incident in a dysfunctional family. Although she began wearing a prosthetic eye for the first time as an adult, she felt uncomfortable with the situation in the prosthetic eye industry, which only gave her the option of choosing a "concealed" design, so she designed a prosthetic eye with a starry sky pattern that she now wears on a daily basis. She began her career as an actor and a prosthetic eye artist in 2021 after appearing on the NHK ETV series Bari bara (shorthand for "Barrier-free Variety"). CREATIVE HACK AWARD 2022 Grand Prize Winner.

If You Have Starry Skies in Your Eyes powerfully illuminates the marginalized experiences of individuals who have lost a body part, a topic often shrouded in silence. Artist Rib, who lost her right eye due to childhood domestic violence, found her passion for creating exquisite prosthetic eyes through facing discrimination due to her appearance. Her experience sheds light on the societal stigma surrounding the ocular prosthetics industry in Japan, where conformity is prioritized over individual expression. This is compounded by limited insurance coverage for those with vision loss in one eye. Undeterred, Rib's self-taught expertise led her to craft unique and captivating artificial eyes, exemplifying the power of self-advocacy and resilience. The work explores the profound connection between physical loss, self-discovery, and creative transformation. By embracing her artificial eye, Rib challenges conventional notions of beauty and physical variation. This is a call for a more inclusive society where individuals feel empowered to express their authentic selves, sparking meaningful dialogue, inspiring positive change within the prosthetic eye industry and fostering greater acceptance in society at large.

If You Have Starry Skies in Your Eyes powerfully illuminates the marginalized experiences of individuals who have lost a body part, a topic often shrouded in silence. Artist Rib, who lost her right eye due to childhood domestic violence, found her passion for creating exquisite prosthetic eyes through facing discrimination due to her appearance. Her experience sheds light on the societal stigma surrounding the ocular prosthetics industry in Japan, where conformity is prioritized over individual expression. This is compounded by limited insurance coverage for those with vision loss in one eye. Undeterred, Rib's self-taught expertise led her to craft unique and captivating artificial eyes, exemplifying the power of self-advocacy and resilience. The work explores the profound connection between physical loss, self-discovery, and creative transformation. By embracing her artificial eye, Rib challenges conventional notions of beauty and physical variation. This is a call for a more inclusive society where individuals feel empowered to express their authentic selves, sparking meaningful dialogue, inspiring positive change within the prosthetic eye industry and fostering greater acceptance in society at large.