Art Feature: Tattoos -- Identity in Indelible Ink by team, journal
Art Feature: Tattoos -- Identity in Indelible Ink
This curated feature is brought to you by @AlexanderPaupoff. The word tattoo has its origins in the Polynesian tatau (or tatu), which means “to puncture or mark the skin.” Tattooing involves inscribing the skin by inserting dyes or pigments under the dermis to form patterns or designs. This ancient practice of body decoration has evolved into a significant form of self-expression. Tattoos are more than just ink on skin—they reflect a person’s identity, beliefs, and experiences. They visually chronicle a journey, represent values and aspirations, and capture victories and tributes, allowing us to use our skin to construct our identities in deeply personal and profound ways. Typically, there’s an idea of permanence attached to tattoos. However, much like people, they’re quite changeable. Throughout our lives, tattoos transform in appearance and intensity, the same way we do as we age. They might be voluntarily changed, extended, covered up, or removed, and when we die, they