Artist with disability becomes designer to create 3D-printed prostheses

Moroccan-born artist Abdeljalil Makhloufi (Ait Sedrate, 1988) turned to 3D printing after a 2015 car accident left him with a severe spinal injury. Hospitalized for 18 months at the Niguarda Hospital's Spinal Unit in Milan, he began rehabilitation and dreamed of drawing again using thermoplastic prostheses provided by occupational therapists. However, these aids were fragile and difficult to replicate. Makhloufi enrolled in a 3D modeling course, attending remotely due to his disability, and self-taught himself to scan his wrist and create virtual models. He now produces custom prostheses for himself and other patients, collaborating with Spazio Vita association and volunteering at Niguarda's Spinal Unit. His method, called Relate, was presented at the Venice Design Week 2024 at Omnium Art Department, curated by M. Abisso with support from A. Mariani (Fablab Cuneo). The process involves measuring, computer modeling, slicing, and testing with doctors and therapists to find the optimal material and fit within two to three trials.