John Amanam

John Amanam (born 14 November 1988) is a Nigerian sculptor and hyper-realistic prosthetic artist who is credited as the first African to produce hyper-realistic prostheses.

Early life and education Originally from Nsit-Atai in Akwa Ibom state, South South, Amanam was born in Calabar, Cross River state where he also grew up. He is an alumnus of Federal Government College in Ikot Ekpene, and studied Fine and Industrial Arts at the University of Uyo.

Career Amanam is a former special effects artist in the Nollywood . He began his hyper-realistic prosthetic career after his brother lost part of his hand in 2018 and the prosthetic options available were starkly white ill-fitting both physically and culturally. His first prosthetic was produced in 2019 and he gave it to his brother. He offers discounted and free services for low-income individuals through a donation-based initiative called Ubokobong, meaning “hand of God” in Ibibio.

His works have attracted International attention through featuring in International media outlets like Reuters, BBC, Al Jazeera and others . He has inspired an inclusive healthcare solutions designed in Africa, by Africans, for Africans and the global Black community.

Achievements

Nominated in the African Genius Awards 2024. won a national award for his university in Abuja for a project titled "Tomorrow" in 2014.