Leo Jonah, a London born model, singer song writer and Biomedical Science student of Nigerian descent, has a condition called Albinism. This means he has no pigment or melanin in his skin. He is black, but his skin looks like porcelain. Inspired by the works of Justin Dingwall and the ancient Japanese technique of mending and beautifying flaws in ceramic with gold, we celebrate Leo’s genetic imperfections and his beauty. The gold skull made of crystals, golden leather and mother of pearl inlay teeth are a nod to the cultural ramifications of having Albinism in areas of West Africa. There, Albino children are hunted for their bones for purposes of witchcraft. Children with albinism in Tanzania are quarantined to keep them safe. Here in London, Leo mentors 3 children growing up with Albinism and plans to mentor 3 more and to further his project.
Decorating Leo’s golden dread locks are cracked crystal spikes and sunset moths, each collected after a natural death, from an ecological sanctuary in Virginia, USA. These moths have had a rare process carried out, called descaling. All of the pigment has been removed and left behind are iridescent pastel markings. Moon moths from all countries represent Leo’s genetic nature affecting many people worldwide of all different ethnicities.
Decorating Leo’s golden dread locks are cracked crystal spikes and sunset moths, each collected after a natural death, from an ecological sanctuary in Virginia, USA. These moths have had a rare process carried out, called descaling. All of the pigment has been removed and left behind are iridescent pastel markings. Moon moths from all countries represent Leo’s genetic nature affecting many people worldwide of all different ethnicities.
- The Skulltress
