Tattoo Research Articles

Embodied memories - exploring memorial tattoos through the lens of terror management theory

Objectives To delve into the phenomenon of memorial tattoos in Israel following the October 7, 2023, massacre, and the ensuing Iron Swords War utilizing Terror Management Theory. Methodology A qualitative approach employing digital ethnography and visual content analysis was adopted to scrutinize 250 war tattoo images sourced from Israeli tattoo artists’ Instagram pages and Facebook groups. Data collection spanned the initial four months of the war, from October 2023 to January 2024. Findings and conclusions The analysis highlights existential anxieties stemming from the massacre and ongoing conflict, which are both reflected and addressed through the tattoos’ content and meaning. Memorial tattoos serve as responses to mortality salience, depicting themes that adhere to the three anxiety-buffer mechanisms proposed by the theory: reinforcement of collective worldviews; enhancement of self-esteem; and seeking continued attachment relationships. Through these mechanisms, tattoo recipients invest efforts in giving meaning to the inconceivable events and their ongoing grief.

"Art is just something that makes people heal"-a qualitative investigation of tattoo artists' perspectives on cancer survivorship therapeutic tattoos.

Many cancer treatments can lead to a disrupted body image and identity. One intervention to address these outcomes is therapeutic tattooing. However, despite the wide dissemination of this practice for cancer survivors (CSs), current research on it is lacking. This study aimed to identify tattoo artists' (TAs') perspectives on the types, impacts, barriers, and facilitators of therapeutic tattooing for CSs and the impact of doing this work on themselves. Twenty-two international TAs who tattoo CSs were interviewed and resultant transcripts were analyzed thematically. The following themes emerged: Emotional Management of Artists, Emotional Transformation of CSs, Stigma and its effects on CSs, Artist Barriers, CS Barriers, Artist Facilitators, and CS Facilitators. The findings also identify a typology of cancer survivorship therapeutic tattoos. This is the first study to identify barriers/facilitators of therapeutic tattooing, a typology of cancer survivorship therapeutic tattoos, TAs' perspectives on therapeutic tattooing, and potential negative outcomes from this practice. The findings indicate that therapeutic tattooing can be both beneficial and harmful for CSs and TAs, that there is a need for better therapeutic tattooing training for TAs and healthcare providers (HPs), increased awareness of therapeutic tattoos, and a reduction in barriers to the practice and greater collaboration between HPs and TAs. Findings from this study have major policy implications for healthcare systems, non-profit organizations, and regulatory bodies, which could serve to empower cancer survivors to make more informed decisions about their bodies and support enhanced training and accreditation of this practice.

The Appreciation of Tattoo Art among Malaysian

Tattoo art, once considered a taboo in many parts of Malaysia, is increasingly being recognized as a form of personal expression and artistic appreciation. This paper explores the evolving perceptions of tattoos within Malaysian society, emphasizing the factors contributing to their growing acceptance. Historically, tattoos were often linked to indigenous rituals, gang affiliations, or negative stereotypes. However, globalization, exposure to different cultures, and the rise of social media have shifted these perceptions, fostering a more nuanced appreciation of tattoo artistry. Through interviews, surveys, and analysis of tattoo-related media content, this study investigates the diverse motivations behind Malaysians’ decisions to get tattoos, including self-expression, cultural identity, and aesthetic appeal. The findings suggest that while conservative views persist, particularly among older generations and certain religious communities, a significant portion of younger Malaysians view tattoos as a legitimate art form. This demographic shift is influenced by the increasing visibility of tattoo artists, both local and international, who highlight the skill and creativity involved in tattooing. Furthermore, the study discusses the role of tattoo conventions and exhibitions in fostering a community of appreciation and learning. These events provide platforms for Malaysians to explore tattoo designs that resonate with their personal and cultural narratives, challenging traditional stigmas associated with body art. The paper concludes by suggesting that as societal norms continue to evolve, the appreciation of tattoo art in Malaysia will likely expand, reflecting broader global trends toward the normalization of body art as a personal and artistic choice.

Inked Expressions: An appreciation of selected contemporary tattoo art among Ghanaians in Kumasi and Accra metropolises

Tattooing has been practiced for several years across the world. It is considered an art form that transmits cultural expressions and reflects the differences between groups of people globally. In Ghana, the popularity of contemporary tattooing has soared for various reasons. However, there is little scholarly research on tattoo culture in Ghana. Therefore, the study attempts to appreciate the aesthetic elements of selected contemporary tattoos in Kumasi and Accra metropolitan areas to reveal their social, philosophical, and other underpinnings. Qualitative ethnographic approach was employed in which a total of twenty-two (22) tattooed respondents were obtained for data collection using homogenous purposive and exponential discriminative snowball sampling techniques. Unstructured-Interviews and naturalistic observations constituted the data collection instruments. The study found that contemporary tattoo designs in Kumasi and Accra metropolises diversely included minimalist designs, religious symbols, portraits, decorative designs, philosophical symbols, among others, which aesthetically convey the religious identity, philosophy of life, and self-expression of tattoo wearers. While the study concludes that contemporary tattoo art in Ghana (Kumasi & Accra) is an embodiment of a dynamic and evolving art form that symbolically resonates with the persona, philosophy of life, sociocultural and religious expressions of tattoo wearers, it is recommended that further research should be conducted on the side effect of tattoo art on the health of tattoo wearers in Ghana. This will help determine whether or not tattoo art should be formalised as an acceptable academic field of study as well as be promoted by art institutions, galleries and museums in Ghana.

Ink leisure: deviant or divine

ABSTRACT This qualitative inquiry examines the evolving perceptions of tattoos among the Filipinos, investigating whether tattoos persist as markers of societal deviance or have transitioned into mainstream vehicles for self-expression and leisure pursuits. The recruitment phase, conducted in August 2023, targeted residents of Quezon City, encompassing tattoo artists and individuals both with and without tattoos. Through in-depth interviews, insights were gathered from a demographically diverse cohort comprising 22 male and 13 female participants. Employing thematic analysis, three overarching themes were delineated: “Tattooing as Artistic Expression,” “Tattoos as Personal Narratives,” and “Social Perceptions and Stigma.” The findings underscore the nuanced role of tattoos within Filipino society, advocating for scholarly engagement to deepen comprehension of this multifaceted phenomenon. The research illuminates a discernible shift in Filipino attitudes towards tattoos, positioning them as legitimate conduits for self-expression and leisure engagement. While societal stigma persists, the study advocates for informed awareness and ongoing dialogue to cultivate acceptance of tattoos as legitimate modes of artistic expression and identity formation within the Filipino cultural context.

Alter ego: the impact of criminal identity on situational identities within the narratives of an organized crime member

ABSTRACT This study underscores the necessity of exploring criminal identities beyond mere associations with crime and deviance. Through a detailed investigation of the case of Antonio, a member of Italian organized crime who also pursues a career as a tattoo artist abroad, it reveals the complex interactions between his criminal identity and his situational identities as a migrant and artist. Antonio's distinctive situation leads to diverse social and self-representations, as his criminal identity intertwines with his migrant and artistic identities, resulting in significant social actions that address real-world issues. Using narratives from a series of semi-structured interviews, this research offers insights into how criminal identity affects and molds Antonio's various identities, illuminating the complex mechanisms of identity interaction. It identifies crucial social actions – namely ‘belonging,’ ‘internalization,’ ‘creativity,’ and ‘rebellion’ – enhancing our comprehension of identity dynamics and highlighting the critical influence of criminal identity within these processes.

WEST KALIMANTAN DAYAK TATTOO AS A CULTURAL IDENTITY IN INDONESIA

Indonesia, as a country with diverse ethnic groups and cultures, has certainly passed on many cultures to the next generation to preserve their existence. However, in modern times, many cultures have begun to shift or lose their meaning. One of them is the Dayak tattoo art, which was previously considered sacred by society, but is now only seen as ordinary art. This research was conducted to find out how to maintain Dayak's tattoo art in the modern era. Tattoos in the Dayak tribe of West Kalimantan are the object of this research. The research was conducted using qualitative methods through interviews, documentation, and direct observation in the Dayak community. Results of the research show that Dayak tattoos are not just art, but are an identity with high traditional values as seen through tattoo motifs and colors. This research aims to determine the forms of Dayak tattoos with their philosophical meaning and role in society. Research is useful for increasing insight into the traditional values contained in Dayak tattoo art so that it can help preserve this cultural heritage. Research can also be an additional literature reference for other researchers.

Art on the skin, lifesaving within: Exploring the role of tattoo artists in suicide prevention.

Different populations experience suicide at different rates. Some studies have found an increased risk of suicide among individuals with tattoos. Studies indicate a higher prevalence of mental health disorders among individuals with one or more tattoos. These findings signal a need to explore suicide prevention in tattoo shops. The aim of this project is to determine the feasibility, acceptability, and interest of providing education on suicide prevention among tattoo artists. We conducted a cross-sectional survey with tattoo artists. Survey items assessed artists' experiences with clients expressing mental health issues or suicidal thoughts, their comfort level assisting clients, and general perceptions around suicide and stigma. Seventy-nine surveys were collected. Most artists reported that they have had at least one situation in which a client mentioned something that made them concerned about that client's mental health. Most respondents reported that a client has expressed suicidal thoughts to them at least once. Our study demonstrated that tattoo artists encounter clients who express mental health challenges as well as suicidal ideation, underscoring the potential role for tattoo artists in supporting individuals at risk for suicidal thoughts and behaviors.

The art of tattooing as a form of creative writing

The act of tattooing can be considered as a reflective and expressive creative process, which refers to creative writing (CW). Here, we attempt to connect tattooing with creative writing, focusing on the common elements that exist between them. Two investigations take place: one concerns the investigation of the role of tattooing in defining a person"s identity, and the second investigates the role of tattooing in the self-healing of individuals who have experienced a traumatic experience. In the first, ten people who have tattoos participate and answer semi-structured research questions, while in the second, specialist psychologists participate, who, through open interviews, convey the lived experiences of six of their "patients" with trauma management problems. Research findings confirm the connection between tattooing and creative writing, understood as a reflective and expressive creative process of externalizing one"s interiority with positive results for the same.

A Study of the Baiga Women's Tradition of Tattoos, Modernization of this Art and Situation of Tattoo Industry in India

The Polynesian term "Ta," which signifies hitting something, or the Tahitian word "tatau," according to some anthropologists, may be the source of the word "tattoo." It is "to mark something." Since before the start of the Christian era (CE), tattooing—a kind of bodily modification—has been ingrained in the cultures of many indigenous tribes worldwide. It is also demonstrated by anthropological evidence of various tattoo designs from various cultures that tattooing originated independently in many parts of the world. For various tribes across the nation, getting tattoos has always been an essential aspect of daily life. Tattoos are considered an essential component of the culture and history of the Baiga tribe's women. With the tribal people of Central India, tattooing, sometimes referred to locally as "Godna," is a common form of body art that has deep cultural significance. In this work, the importance of tattoo culture among the women of the Baiga tribe in central India is discussed and examined. This study aims to provide an overview of the Baiga tribe the Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) of Central India. It also explains the tattooing process, from the development of the indelible ink to the tattoo artist's application of the ink into the skin's dermis layer. At present, this art has been modernized to a great extent and the tattoo industry has become a major identity all over the world. At the same time, it has spread to many states in India as well. There are immense possibilities of development in this field in the future.

Application of Balinese Cultural Concepts in the Creation of Neo-Traditional Tattoo Art Works

This thesis contains a description of the creation of works of tattoo art with the theme "Application of Balinese Cultural Concepts in the Creation of Neo-Traditional Works of Tattoo Art" which was inspired when looking at foreign tattoo styles, namely American traditional tattoos, known as American Traditional (Old School Tattoo). where this tattoo has a very strong characteristic or character, so that the traditional American tattoo style is easily recognized. In Bali itself, there are several adherents of the Neo Traditional tattoo style, one of which is Kink Tattoo Bali, where Kink Tattoo Bali has a similar phenomenon where its tattoo work is recognized by tattoo lovers because Kink Tattoo Bali's work has a strong characteristic or character. so that his work can be easily recognized. The aim to be achieved in this MBKM Internship/Work Practicum activity is to find out the situation in the real world of work and gain experience in the world of work as well as various new work experience skills that can broaden your insight into the scope of tattoo work in the world of work and can deepen your knowledge and techniques. in working on professional tattoo projects in the real world of work. MBKM Internship/Practice activities at Studio Kink Tattoo Bali also aim to hone skills in creating original tattoo works by combining Balinese culture with Neo Traditional tattoo styles. In realizing this tattoo design work, the author used interview, observation, documentation and literature methods. From the title above, there are five tattoo design works in MBKM Internship/Practice activities at Kink Tattoo Bali studio.

Fineline Tattoo Design as a Form of Self Expression at Ingkeu Ink Tattoo Studio

The main objective of this research and art creation is to create and present the work "Designing Fineline Tattoos as a Form of Self-Expression at Ingkeu Ink Tattoo Studio" as a representation of arts and culture education. Fineline tattoo is a style of tattoo that involves creating a design with very thin and smooth lines. These tattoos are often minimalist and subtle, with intricate and detailed designs that require a skilled artist to execute. This creation is research-based, so the method consists of two inseparable parts, namely the research method and the creation method. The technique for implementing MBKM internship/work practice activities at Ingkeu ink tattoo studio is carried out using a project based learning model. In designing this tattoo design, it begins with brainstorming together to collect the concepts and topics that will be discussed. After getting a mature concept, students can continue to the stages of the work process. In this research the author will describe the Fineline Tattoo design process as a form of self-expression at Ingkeu ink tattoo studio along with an analysis of the design results. The data in this research was obtained directly from Ingkeu ink tattoo studio as a partner who has a project to be featured in the internship report using several methods. The results of the tattoos done by the author are also uploaded by partners on social media and TikTok, in this way the partners believe they are very effective in attracting client interest.

Attitude to tattooing in modern Russian society: Regional aspect

The article considers theoretical and applied basis for analyzing tattooing phenomenon as one of the most widespread bodily practices in modern society. The patterns of attitude to this phenomenon and characteristic of modern society have been highlighted. Certain limitations of these studies and their fragmentation have been noted. The integral variant of this phenomenon analysis, including four components of the attitude to tattoo (cognitive, emotional, behavioral, and motivational) and considering peculiarities of social attitudes of the three main subjects occupying different positions in relation to tattoo (tattoo masters, their clients and a control group without tattoos) has been offered. The empirical study results have been presented, which made it possible to reveal regional specificity of the structure of attitude to the phenomenon of Perm residents (according to such parameters as cognitive component of attitude to tattoo (awareness of tattooing), emotional (assessment of tattoo as a social phenomenon; emotional attitude of relatives, close environment, and respondent to tattoo), behavioral (presence of tattoos; tattooed body parts; desire to get/remove a tattoo in the future), motivational (reasons for getting a tattoo; motives for choosing tattoo design in the future), and motivational ones (reasons for getting a tattoo; motives for getting a tattoo in the future).

Exploring the Role of Tattoo Discourse in Matotonan Village: Mentawai Tattoo Batik as an Effort to Preserve Tradition in Mentawai

In the remote islands of North Pagai, South Pagai, Sipora, and Siberut, the ancient art of tattooing is on the verge of extinction. However, amidst this cultural decline, a unique endeavor emerges in the heart of Mentawai: the preservation of tattoos through the intricate art of Mentawai tattoo batik. This qualitative ethnographic study delves into the depths dicourse of Mentawai tattoo batik, illuminating its significance in the preservation of Mentawai's rich tattoo heritage. Through meticulous observations across the four islands of Mentawai and in-depth interviews with tattoo owners, particularly the revered Sikerei who lead the sacred Lia rituals, this research uncovers the profound narrative woven within each tattoo motif. In Matotonan Village, once vibrant with tattoo culture, youth no longer hold tattoos in high regard, risking the loss of this ancient tradition. Yet, amidst this cultural shift, Mentawai elders embark on a noble mission: to immortalize the sacred symbols of their ancestors by transferring Mentawai tattoo motifs onto clothing. This symbolic gesture not only safeguards the legacy of Mentawai tattoos but also ensures their transmission to future generations. For the Mentawai people, tattoos transcend mere body art; they embody the sacred connection between humanity and the natural world of Mentawai. As efforts to preserve these timeless symbols gain momentum, batik adorned with Mentawai tattoo motifs emerges as a beacon of hope, igniting a revival of cultural pride and heritage in the heart of Mentawai. Through the production of tattoo motif batik as a burgeoning home industry, the legacy of Mentawai tattoos finds new life, promising to endure for generations to come.

“A Reminder of How to Live in One's Body”

Special issue editors Ren-yo Hwang and Christopher Joseph Lee interview Zhi (Yu) Lu (@hotbirdbath), a trans Han/Hakka artist working in tattoo and other media as a collaborative sculptural practice, and an organizer with Trans Revolutionary Action Network (@tran4ny). In this interview, Hwang, Lee, and Lu discuss the connections between tattoo art events, nightlife, and mutual aid fundraising, while reflecting on the importance of body adornment for trans people. Alongside examples of their art, Lu explains how they see tattoo as a therapeutic medium that connects diasporic and trans communities through retellings of migration and transformation.

Occupational risks in a representative sample of Portuguese tattoo artists: comparison between self-perception and risk assessment methods.

In recent decades there has been a growth in the demand for tattoos and in the number of tattoo artists. A study was designed to compare the results obtained in the application of risk assessment instruments by the Occupational Safety and Health team with those of the risk perception of the same variable in a sample of tattoo artists. A risk chart was prepared and the William Fine method, the integrated risk assessment approach, and the methodology for risk assessment and accidents at work were applied for general risk assessment, whereas the Ovako Working Posture Analysis System and Rapid Entire Body Assessment were applied for ergonomic risk assessment. Tattoo artists' perception was registered in an online questionnaire. The most valued risk factors by tattoo artists were forced/maintained postures and repetitive movements; conversely, interaction with old machines and/or in poor condition and monotonous work. Divergences were found when comparing the results of risk assessment with those of risk perception, since the first highlights chemical and biological agents. This may be justified by the fact that tattoo artists give more relevance to issues capable of causing faster and/or more intense semiology. If the Occupational Safety and Health team is attentive and prepared to deal with these differences, it will achieve better performance.

The Shift

Gonza is a highly regarded bboy in Thailand and across the globe. Belonging to one of Thailand’s most prominent crews, 99Flava, he has established a legacy across the Asia-Pacific. He is also a tattoo artist by trade and has recently stepped into a coaching role for breakers who will compete at the upcoming South East Asian (SEA) Games. In this short reflection, Gonza decodes his artwork The Shift (featured on the cover of this special issue of Global Hip Hop Studies: ‘Breaking and the Olympics 2’), by bringing breaking's past, present and future as an art-form and sport into question.

Eco-cultural identity building through tattoos: a conversational approach

While in the not-too-distant past, tattoos were often perceived as representing non-conformity or even deviance, tattoos now increasingly transcend class, gender, and age boundaries and are more acceptable than ever. Tattoos are created by artists and are an interpretation of a story that the client wants to tell, re-created in interpersonal communication situations—before, during, and after the actual tattooing. The project at hand conceptualizes and critically examines the ways in which tattoos alter people's sense of being not only in a semiotic way but also in a conversational way. Our guiding research question is how (much) tattooed images, ornaments, and symbols of nature (re)create the eco-cultural identity of the person wearing it and what role storytelling plays in restoring human–nature relationships. The insights were gained with a series of explorative interviews with (N =) 12 tattoo artists in Oceania (Australia and New Zealand) and Europe (Germany, Austria, and France), analyzed with an inductive categorization supported by QCAmap. The findings show that tattoos are both a device and signifier and a storytelling method. Bodies are described as landscapes where individual stories are carved out through a process of tattooing and ritual interactions and conversations tattooed bodies have with others. Tattoos have the potential to re-story the body and shape it in ways that create meaning for the tattooer, the wearer, and the society, and to create eco-cultural identities, thus regenerating or restoring human–nature relationships. This project opens a new field for communication research that helps to strengthen a conversational understanding of communication beyond the ritual perspective. The conceptualization of tattooing as a conversational process where meaning is created, common beliefs are (re)produced, new norms are cultivated, and meaningful human–nature relationships are forged stimulates further research studying other rituals and their potential to communicatively re-create a more sustainable society.

A tetoválás eltávolítás szövődményei

Non-laser and laser methods of tattoo removal are described in the publication. The complications of incorrect intervention in tattoo artist studios and beauty salons are illustrated with clinical photos. The complication of laser and chemical treatment performed by a layman, causing a significant aesthetic problem in two cases is presented. The challenges that arise during the restoration are demonstrated. The publication draws attention to the difference in power density between Q-switched lasers and other types of lasers, and to the risks of tattoo removal procedures, such as permanent scars, allergic reactions or perforation of the retina (FTMH), with complete loss of vision in case of unqualified personnel.

Body biographies: a study of apprenticeship and embodied experience among tattoo artists in Mexico

Based on the author’s long-term fieldwork experience in Mexico, this article describes the apprenticeship experience of tattoo artists. It deals with the learning process of a craft, how artists develop skills and techniques, and how they share their knowledge with others. The text argues that the solidarity that the tattoo community creates passes not only through the relationship between artists and clients but also through the exchange and reciprocity between professionals through the mutual inking of their bodies, in what the author calls body biographies. The article also depicts the importance of social media in promoting an artist’s work and how a person becomes an expert or a professional. Finally, it analyzes the growing popularity of tattoos and the saturated market it creates, where artists compete for clients, prestige, and money.