Juxtaposing war veterans, circus performers and former law professors, "Ink on Skin" tells the story of the progressive world of tattoos. The latest Visual Arts Committee (VAC) triumph presents skin as the artist's canvas and needles as his brush. What appears to be a painful process is presented in a light of beauty and respect. Taken from the photographic collection of Jeff Crisman, several mediums of photography are employed to convey Crisman's respect for the art of tattooing.
Reverence appears in every image. Each individual photographed acknowledges tattooing as an art form all its own, showing the strength, courage and audacity it takes to turn oneself into a human canvas. The people represented in this exhibit are just like everyone else; they fight the prejudices against them with humor, patriotism and a lifetime of memories.
Exploring the meaning of the adage "a picture is worth a thousand words," every photograph tells a story just by connecting the ink marks. A man named "Enigma" has been tattooed into thousands of puzzle pieces, while his girlfriend "Catzen" has morphed herself into a feline. Others are adorned with faces of loved ones and still others pay homage to the likes of Elvis, Jesus and Woody Woodpecker.
Texts delving into the "whys" of tattooing can be found scattered throughout the exhibit. Some personal accounts explore how the tattooed developed the looks they have today. A man by the name of Jack Dracula, one of only two men to have a tattooed face when in his twenties, explained his motivation. "Most people cannot see why I did this. It is quite simple. I have many memories to forget. I have always believed that a person is better off when they do what they want as long as they are happy," he said.
The stories within the photographs tell as much about the individuals as the art on their skin. There is the aged and robust Lorette Folkerson who, while in her prime, received tattoos in exchange for sitting in a parlor window on Navy payday. Or Johnny Walker, an old worn gentleman, who holds open his coveralls so that he can proudly display his ink-stained chest. The image is made all the more intriguing by his stoic face and cigarette carefully balanced between his lips.
But those times are long gone. A new wave of professional artists has replaced the ragged ways of the past. Now a more refined culture, tattoo artists are beginning to make a place for themselves in the artistic community. "It has been a time of change as an infusion of new, art school trained tattooists have propelled the business from its previous marginalized state to new levels of popularity - and soon, perhaps, the dubious honor of high art status," Crisman said in his commentary on the exhibit.
Homage to the tattoo subculture, "Ink on Skin" is an amazing journey for the eyes. The exhibit is a treasure for those of us who like to live vicariously. Everyone can respect the artistry, creativity and integrity of each of the people represented. The art that adorns their bodies is just a tiny glimpse into their lives.
"Ink on Skin" is located on the second floor of the MSC. Sponsored by the VAC, the Visual Arts Gallery advises discretion when viewing this exhibit due to nude content.
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