I found out about Viktoria Modesta a few years ago through Facebook when her debut song “Prototype” come out. She is a Latvian-born English singer with a prosthetic leg. She suffered health struggles from birth, leaving her with a dysfunctional leg after 15 surgeries. Inspired by creative imagery of Alexander McQueen and Matthew Barney, she had her lower limb amputated and replaced with a prosthetic to finally have control over her body. This was the end of her limitations and soon she entered the music scene.
She uses her creativity to mix “fashion, sensuality, and physical augmentation in a progressive way.” What she does with her prosthetic is much like what Lady Gaga did with her outfits.
Vikoria is bringing a new awareness to people with physical augmentations, and she's fighting the stigma that augmentation is ugly. She's never identified herself as disabled or let herself be constrained by her physical body.
She was also part of Coldplay’s performance at the Paralympics in 2012 where she portrayed the Amazing Snow Queen.
She is a model, singer, and fashion icon.
In 2014, she launched a collaboration with Chanel 4 for the campaign Born Risky, presenting herself as the world’s first bionic popstar. It was this video that amazed me. What she does with her prosthetic is stunning.
Loved "The Mission For You" quote,
ReplyDeleteExcellent post to read took my mind off the weather for a moment.
Enjoy this new week.
Yvonne.
I'm glad you noticed that and like it. :)
DeleteWith that shiny leg, she could be a super spy as well.
ReplyDeleteShe sure shows that most anything can be done when the mind wants it to be.
ReplyDeleteShe's a great example for all.
DeleteSo many people think their normal life is over after amputation, but people like Viktoria show that's not true. I also follow a young quad amputee on YouTube, Kaitlyn Dobrow, who mostly does makeup tutorials, including some rather elaborate looks involving face/body paint. Some amputees lead more active, interesting lives than people with all of their limbs!
ReplyDeleteSo true. I admire Viktoria and love her art.
DeleteHi Chrys - it is wonderful what can be done with prosthetics and how much more mainstream people can become ... it was slowly happening before the ParaOlympics of 2012 - but has definitely progressed forward in so many areas ... thankfully - thanks for sharing Viktoria with us - amazing to see and hear - cheers Hilary
ReplyDeleteSo much can be done these days, and I am so happy that people are realizing that those with disabilities can so much the same things we can. They just might do it a little differently. And in Viktoria's case...with style. ;)
DeleteGood stuff, life's all about lifting others up. Greetings and best wishes!
ReplyDeleteYes. I wish more people would realize that. :)
DeleteViktoria sounds pretty amazing. I haven't heard her music before, (your video wouldn't play on my crappy computer) but I'm making a note to look her up. I do love things that are strange. :)
ReplyDeleteAfter I saw her video and listened to her sound, I found out about her story. She is amazing. :)
DeleteIt's my first hearing of Victoria Modesta. Can definitely see how she's like Lady Gaga.
ReplyDeleteIt's the style, right? It was the first thing I thought...but I should add that I never felt she was copying Gaga but doing her own thing. :)
DeleteGood for her. I haven't heard of her before, but that's awesome that she's making the best of her situation and turning it into a positive.
ReplyDeleteThat's what we should all do. :)
DeleteYour profiles of empowering women are always so inspiring.
ReplyDeleteWhen I first read your post I mistakenly read Palm City, rather than Palm Bay. I got excited thinking you were going to be speaking at a library near me. Alas, it's a different place. All the best with your presentation.
I'm glad you like them. I plan to continue this feature next year. :)
DeleteI'm sorry. I wish I could get to Palm City. Maybe one day.
What an amazing woman. I love it.
ReplyDeleteThanks for commenting, Elizabeth!
DeleteThat was suggestive all right.
ReplyDeleteMost disabilities are in the mind, not the body.
I warned ya. lol
DeleteGood luck with your author appearance. An amazing woman. 15 surgeries without success would be horrible.
ReplyDeleteThank you!
DeleteI had one major surgery, and that was enough for me.
Very inspiring! Wow!
ReplyDeleteChrys, congratulations with all your goals, you are making strides, and I applaud you!
Thank you! I am making baby steps, but even those move us forward. :)
DeleteI think I've seen Viktoria around the web and she's really inspiring. She shows how we don't have to be limited when we have a challenge, whatever it is.
ReplyDeleteShe's a true inspiration for all, whether you have a disability or not.
DeleteGood for her.
ReplyDeleteYes!
DeleteNot gonna lie. I'm somewhere between jealous and inspired by her. Not if only I could get a prosthetic shoulderblade. haha
ReplyDeleteA shoulder blade would be tricky.
DeleteWhat a fascinating woman! The video is provocative. That's the word that came to mind. I wondered how she could put full body weight on the "point" of her prosthetic, then I noticed the shoe had no heel. What the..? Then I noticed while she was dancing she was partially suspended. Very cool! Nice share, Chrys. Good luck at your book-talk. It will be fun!
ReplyDeleteYes, provocative is probably a better word to describe it.
DeleteMy favorite part of the video is what she does with the pointed prosthetic and the wires. My draw dropped the first time I saw it. So amazing.
Thank you!!!
All the best for your book talk, Chrys. Yes, she looks empowering.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Nasreen!
DeleteUsing what many would see as a disadvantage as a plus point is a sign of real creativity.
ReplyDeleteShe is a brilliant woman! An inspiration!!
ReplyDeleteShe really is.
DeleteWow, she's amazing. Glad she's out there bringing awareness and changing people's minds.
ReplyDeleteThanks for commenting, Toi! :)
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