Category Archives: history/anthropology

times and perspectives

evolution of tattoos

Loose observations on tattoos over time make you think how they were and are perceived and what they mean(t).

These days it’s way more about personal meaning(s) and perspectives, so no wonder ppl perceive tattoos in different ways, those shallow and even insulting ones: “things you get asked if you are tattooed” and “rude cashier.”

my tattoos, my stories

But we still attach meanings, memories and power to our tattoos – we are our tattoos, our tattoos are us.

Zombie Boy

Finally, a few days after the gig in question but it’s still good that Zombie Boy is still alive and kicking!

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different forms

godna tattoo tradition

An interesting article from India discusses godna, a traditional form of tattooing which has been dying out – a sad reality for many tribal traditions all around the world.

On the other side of the world, “Inked,” a photo exhibit shows how strong the modern form of tattooing has been growing (relatively) recently.

What’s the answer for this “phenomenon”? Maybe the key is our own taste and self-expression? Whens something is regulated by the common norms, long traditions and social rules we are more prone to leave it behind while something that is “our own” deserves cherishing and opposing the others?

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meanings

Ancient-Tattoos

Interesting findings suggest that obsidian tools were used to tattooing thousands of years aho on the Solomon Islands. It’s fascinating to watch how the modern science discovers by means of findings and experiments the acts of the ancient ppl, proving over and over again that tattooing is too serious and too important to various cultures aorund the world to dismiss it as a simple trend!

Frida Kahlo tattoos – a great woman, a talented artist, soemone who was courageous enough to have made her own look!

blood and dust

(extra)ordinary ppl with passion – “Blood & Dust” comic series and a related tattoo story!

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timeless

The recent discovery of an over 3-thousand-year old mummy with tattoos in Egypt shows how old tattoos actually are and how important they are for various cultures around the world.

horinao japanese tattoo artists

Japanese artists visiting Canada amaze ppl with their skills and beuty of their tattoos. Another Japanese tattoo artist is fighting for his art in his native country!

Jobs tattoos

He’s still alive in memory and on skin – Steve Jobs and tattoos devoted to him.

Facial ink – mainly on the ppl from the industry, tho!

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vanishing and removing

vanishing ink dance

A fascinating dance project focused on a vanishing art of indigenous tattoos by an iban dancer! It’s new, it’s refreshing, it’s his own voice!

to earn

A German tattoo artist discusses his road to tattooing and declares that ‘tattoos should be earned,’ which is – more or less – true!

Others think the opposite, tho – a new upstart wants to revolutionize the tattoo industry with their dissoving tattoos – vanishing on their own and from different reasons as the traditional tattoos.

no red flag

Finally, a piece from Canada about tattoos at work. I like the statement of one of the ppl interviewed for it: “show up for work, and do a good job — which is how it should be. I know how hard I work. I know what I’m worth.”

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female ink power

ROM Kalinga

Another article about the tattoo exhibit at ROM in Toronto, Canada. This time it’s focuses on the last Kalinga tattoo artist.

tattooist

From Australia a short interview with a (modern and Western) female tattoo artist. different approaches, different experiences, different background but the art unites ppl across the time, space and culture!

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old times and new ppl

the Mayas

A new exhibition focused on the Mayan culture reminds us that various forms of body modifications have been around for centuries if not thousands of years.

vintage tattoo flash

A new book about vintage tattoo flash shows clearly what a long and fascinating history the tattoos have.

tattoo survey

A survey conducted by the German police is supposed to tell the officials how the tattoos on policemen/ women are perceived by the public.

tattoos on the catwalk

Also from Germany, an aspiring male model whose international success may depend on his body modifications and a young modified woman working as a receptionist (too bad it’s “only” a tattoo shop!).

Finally, a touching story from New Zealand about a man who’s coped with the loss of his loved one by means of tattoos!

 

 

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med

nurses' tattoos

After the recent case of a patient traumatised by a nurse’s tattoo, here a different perspective on tattoos on health care workers.

skin cancer detection

A cool idea inspired by Brazilians – tattoo artists and skin cancer detection.

Tattoo traditions in India!

brett rogers

And another TV show focused on tattoos but the cool thing about is what the host of the show has to say: “Tattooed people across the world are generally extremely nice. Through the show, I want to show the kindness and sensitivity of tattooed people of South Africa .”

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bodies talk!

tattoos on Torontonians

The upcoming tattoo exhibit at the museum in Toronto presents a great opportunity for ordinary ppl to present their own tattoos and show what a great and meaningful form of art tattooing is. Torontonians’ tattoo stories are interesting no matter how big or tiny their tattoos are!

Army and tattoos seem to have a love/ hate relationship going for quite some time. Here a piece of news about a new tattoo policy in the US. Navy!

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lots to show, nothing to hide!

ROM tattoo exhibit

A Toronto-based ROM launches a very interesting exhibit on April 2. The exhibit is based on the famous French tattoo exhibition and the museum’s own resources. Yet another reason why it’s time to officially recognize tattoos as an art form? 😉

hand tattoo pics

An upcoming book on hand tattoos is called “Nothing to Hide” (or “Nichts zu Verbergen”). The photographer behind the book has, judging by his name, some Polish roots!

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