The art of tattooing has been around for millennia employed as a means of cultural expression. It is arguably one of the longest surviving traditions having outlasted colonialism in various parts of the world. Looking toward the future, has tattooing stayed timeless, or has it just become trendy?
Consider culturally significant tattooing from ancient societies such as the Samoan. These tattoos have been coopted by Western folk despite its deeply entrenched importance from its community of origin. It ignited this ‘tribal’ tattoo trend branching farther and farther away from its people, while those inking themselves failed to understand its essence. This tradition disseminates symbolic milestones and served as a means to decorate the body, both for men and women. The spike in popularity around the 2000s sparked controversy regarding respect of non-white culture. It is safe to assume this tattoo trend was not timeless, but the act of traditional tattooing with their community is.
Ancient tattooing from the Amazigh tribes of North Africa have experienced a recent resurgence. Amazigh or Bedouin tattooing blends opulent patterns and ornamental styles with symbolism that relay milestones, history, and social status. These tattoos are simple in their designs, but profound in their meanings. This style utilizes geometric patterns that serve a number of purposes such as spiritual protection, speaking deeply to the divine elements of their culture. Beyond their functionality as decorative and symbolic, they also function as a form of communication. Through these tattoos, life events, values, cultural codes, and stories are told. By viewing one’s ink, much can be learned and interpreted about the continuities of existence beyond the individual. Similar to other practicing cultures, these tattooing styles range depending on the tribes and regions of its origins, creating rich variations of symbols and patterns throughout North Africa. This art form serves as a means for self-expression…something that we have applied to tattooing today.
As a collective, we continue to detach from our respective histories due to globalization. One way we have done this is through the commercializing tattoos. At its core, tattooing is entirely about self-expression. The images we etch into our skin for the rest of our lives speak stories about where we have been, what we have experienced, and who we are. Or do they? The rise of Pinterest board tattooing has distorted the sense of self many attempts to express through tattoos. Nowadays, we see countless people online or in real life with the same tattoos spread across their bodies. As opposed to thoughtful curation, individuals are hasty to carve trendy body art into their skin.
Alternatively, we have flash. Flash tattoos are pre-design concepts that are often posted by artists on to their social media and made available for purchase. Through this method, purchasers often get a one of kind item, specific to the style of its artist. Their ease and affordability make them appealing to many, but we have forgotten the essential element of personalization by popularizing flash work. That being said, this type of work can sway to either side of the timeless-trendy scale. On one hand, you get exclusivity, but on the other, there is a lack of customization.
Trends come in many forms: clothing, makeup, hair, and others. This is not to argue that, historically, specific styles and symbols were not trendy within their respective communities. The key element in today’s culture of tattooing is both capitalization and cheapening of the industry. As a result, there is increased variation in the available styles, and therefore, can lead to interesting trends. However, in the process we have forgotten the significance of permanence.
Considering this discussion, the process of curating and getting a tattoo is deeply personal, whether one participates in flash, cultural, or other styles. Beyond their meaning, body modification is a commonly used method of increasing confidence. Every individual has distinctive tastes, and unique stories to tell. The vitality of tattooing lies in ensuring that body art remains timeless to the individual, rather than partaking in trendy styles.
Be thoughtful. Live your life without ragrets.
Hannah Elatty 