Introduction
When ancient practices enter different cultures, they are often reimagined and imbued with new meanings. Tattooing is one of the body modifications that has existed for centuries, although it continues to change and integrate new concepts. For example, some human remains confirm that the practice has existed since 3000 BCE (Béreiziat-Lang and Ott 193). In modern scholarship, the discussions surrounding tattoos range from their connection to art, culture, and communication among different communities to the stigma surrounding the practice.
Discussion
First, debates over tattoos as an art form are present in literature. Sizer argues that some types of tattoos may be considered art (419). For instance, forcible tattooing, present in concentration camps, cannot be regarded as creative. At the same time, modern and ancient tattoos performed on the skin are related to art as they depict original works, and the human body is seen as a canvas. Tattoos are also distinguished by their style, cultural background, and aesthetics. Sizer compares the process of tattooing to graffiti and other types of street art, as tattoo artists resist “inclusion in and valuation through art institutions such as galleries and museums” (419). Thus, the aesthetics of tattoos are closely connected to rebelliousness and counterculture.
Apart from being art, tattoos may also be seen as a communication and self-expression tool. Historically, tattoos in such cultures as Māori denoted one’s social standing, tribe, and family (Sizer 425). In Japan, South American countries, and other nations, some types of tattoos communicated the individual’s connection to gangs and the mafia (Sizer 426). In modern times, tattoos may be seen as a way of self-expression based on their style, writings, and societal connotations. For example, Dann and Callaghan note that women may communicate conformity or resistance to femininity by choosing specific techniques and commenting on beauty standards through implicit meanings (e12438). Similarly, Atli et al. argue that young people often choose tattoos to express their personality and create a visual representation of their beliefs (8965). Thus, tattooing may serve multiple purposes, allowing people to visualize status, character, and social stances.
As noted above, the history of tattooing is closely connected to the idea of symbolism – a visual representation of concepts. People may get tattoos to represent their status, while other individuals can choose to depict memorable moments on their skin. Some examples may include portraits of pets or loved ones, quotes, and drawings that strongly impacted one’s life (Béreiziat-Lang and Ott 201). Dann and Callaghan suggest that seeking meaning behind tattoos is therapeutic for some people who relive moments that they deem important (e12438). Atli et al. find symbolic tattoos extremely popular among young adults, depicting formative events and struggles (8966). Overall, the connection between tattoos and symbolism is apparent, showing the consistent presence of meaning in the works from ancient to modern times.
Although the popularity of tattoos continues to grow, the stigma surrounding this art remains significant. When tattoos were viewed as a part of “savage” and “exotic” cultures, it was interpreted as a sign of low cultural value among colonizing nations (Sizer 424). As the art became accepted in more communities, the view of tattoos shifted but remained negative, becoming a sign of social deviancy (Béreiziat-Lang and Ott 194). Currently, the idea of getting a tattoo may have some counterculture implications (Béreiziat-Lang and Ott 204). Nevertheless, the negative implications are much less apparent in modern times, being replaced by the ideas of self-empowerment and expression.
Conclusion
The long history of tattoos shows that the drawings on one’s skin can carry many meanings and be used by people to show belonging or their personality. In most cases, tattooing can be considered an art form that depicts works on the canvas of the human body. Cultures, communities, and movements have developed a variety of tattoo styles, and each can serve as a specific way of communication with the outside world. As with many art forms in multiple cultures, tattoos have an extended history of stigma, although societal perceptions of tattooing continue to improve.
Works Cited
Atli, Abdullah, Mücahit Akkaya, and Süleyman Nihat Şad. “Tattooing: A Popular Way of Self-Expression Among University Students.” Current Psychology, vol. 41, no. 12, 2022, pp. 8965-8974.
Béreiziat-Lang, Stephanie, and Michael R. Ott. “From Tattoo to Stigma: Writing on Body and Skin.” Writing Beyond Pen and Parchment, edited by Ricarda Wagner et al., Walter de Gruyter, 2019, pp. 193-208.
Dann, Charlotte, and Jane Callaghan. “Meaning‐Making in Women’s Tattooed Bodies.” Social and Personality Psychology Compass, vol. 13, no. 3, 2019, p. e12438.
Sizer, Laura. “The Art of Tattoos.” The British Journal of Aesthetics, vol. 60, no. 4, 2020, pp. 419-433.