F News Question
compiled by Lamaretta Simmons
Tattoos, once taboo, are now almost mainstream, why? Is tattooing just another fad/trend, or is it a form of artistic and self-expression akin to fine art? Should tattoo artists be considered "artists" in the same vein as traditional fine artists?
I would not necessarily think that tattoos are becoming mainstream, just step outside of the metropolitan area. Sometimes people are in the city all their lives and don't realize what the rest of the suburbia/ small towns are like (especially in middle America). I grew up in southern Illinois, and let me tell you, tattoos are still considered taboo. However, I do consider tattoos art, even fine art. I believe that tattoo artists should be considered fine artists. It takes great care and skill to master the ink needle, and they are exceptional illustrators. I had a class last semester ( in Art History, "Addressing the Body") that dealt with this exact subject and brought in a tattoo artist who graduated from SAIC. Why can't we say that tattoos are art? If the tattoo was of the "Mona Lisa," would that make it more art? I don't think so. Maybe a re-definition of terms is in order for art and artists everywhere. [T]he old standards [should not remain], for we as artists, and as a society, are changing and evolving, and so should our preconceptions of tattoos and tattoo artists.
-Mina Heshmatpour,
student
It depends on the motivation of the person who wants to have the tattoo. Like painting, it is just a medium. It could be art, [or] it could be craft. Tattoo artists are more [like] craftsmen in my opinion, because the customer makes the decision. If the tattoo [has a] certain message [and is] more than just decorative, it's more close to fine art.
-Arthur Lam, undergraduate/painting
I think it is just more accepted as a form of expression, not necessarily a trend. Whether or not it is considered "fine" art depends on the tattoo artist and the intentions of the person getting tattooed. If you pick a generic icon off the wall, there is nothing original or artistic about the tattoo. [I]f you draw something up and work with the tattoo artist to create a personal and original image or, tattoo artists just make ART on someone without many instructions except where to do it, [is what I] consider a form of artistic expression by an artist.
-Rachel Freer, student
Tattooing wasn't taboo in my culture (Samoan culture) until the missionaries tried to intervene and forbid it, but it was great that it wasn't. [Tattooing] is an art form in my culture, whether it's art or fine art probably depends on whose perspective you're looking [from.] From my perspective, I thought tattoo art was fashionable for a while.
-Leua Latai, grad student
Personally, I believe there are people that tattoo who should be considered artists, but there are also some who should not be given that much credit. There are some who make it their life, and that are extremely good at what they do. While some do it just because it's the thing to do.
-Xbddavis
|
