Art That’s Skin Deep
7posted 30th April, 2010 under The Bottom Drawer,Trends & Travel Exposed.
To tattoo or not to tattoo – that is the question!
Is it just me, or does it feel like every second 20-something year old you see on the street is sporting a tattoo? Last weekend I headed down to my local beach, where I couldn’t help but take notice of the sea of inked up bodies lying on the sand.
While there are no hard stats to point to here in Australia, according to the US Food and Drug Administration, 31% of the American population (51 million people) have at least 1 tattoo.
What is more interesting is that 67% of people between the age of 18-25 think that there is no discernable stigma associated with having a tattoo.
So it appears that the old social stigma that tattoos are the mark of sailors and criminals are shifting. In fact, having a tattoo is fashionable. So much so that Chanel released a limited addition temporary tattoo range which it featured in its 2010 runway shows:
Source: Getty
But that doesn’t change the hard fact that a tat is forever. Whenever toying with the idea of investing in some body art – I have a flash back to that hot November day in 1987 when I saw my sweet 76 year old neighbour watering her garden in a smock dress. The faded mermaid that lay half dead down her bicep (or what was left of it) is stained in my mind forever.
Sure, Angelina Jolie and Sarah Murdoch get away with the exotic designs they have tattooed on their bodies – but I still question how they will look in 40 years time. Unless the subject matter is something of sentimental value – will you really love your tat forever? We’d be interested to hear your views on body art. Would you dare to dabble in a bit of ink?
30 April 2010
Yes I definately agree that the number of young people with tatoos now seems out of control, and that they just seems to be considered as a fashion accessory!?! I got a tatoo for the first time a couple of years ago, but as it is a sybolic tribute to my mum who recently passed away, I took a long time to decide on the design and consider if I really wanted it, and I had absolutely no hesitation in finally getting it done and know that I will love it forever. I think it is definatley a decision that should be considered over a long time before going ahead, rather than just getting what ever is the latest trend!
30 April 2010
My boyfriend has one sleeve, both his sides done, his foot and his stomach. I have two tattooes aswell.
I think tattoes are a way of expressing yourself in an artistic form. It is socially acceptable these days. One of my boyfriends sides is a japanes theme – and the other which he is still yet to complete is a spanish theme. Every single person that see’s him comments on them saying how much they love them.
30 April 2010
I just can’t love tattoos, sorry – call me old-fashioned (I’m not that old either), but I still think they look cheap and tacky. I’m sure I’ll be shot down in flames for saying this, but most tattoos I’ve seen in real life are just a fashion statement picked off the wall in a studio – how can a Chinese character or Sanskrit symbol have a real meaning to a white Aussie without a drop of Asian or Indian blood in them???
30 April 2010
I’m with you Corinne. The body is such a beautiful thing in its natural form – I don’t understand why you would want to permanently mark it. If you love art, invest in a painting!
01 May 2010
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04 May 2010
Most of my friends have tattoos and my boyfriend also has one, however I do not and don’t think I ever will get one (I’m in my mid 20′s). I do agree with Corinne that majority of them look cheap and tacky and being someone of a cultural background, must admit, I get a little offended when I see someone sporting a traditional or cultural tattoo because they liked or thought they found a relation to the meaning, yet they do not practice any beliefs of the culture or religion associated. Sure, Angelina Jolie, Megan Fox and Sarah Murdoch make tattoos look aesthetically pleasing, but would we still think the same or similar tattoos would look good on a person less attractive and/or out of the limelight?
04 May 2010
I have 5 tattoos and i think its personal choice! i like to live for the present not live for the future. alot of people are saying stuff about how it will look when we get older but what if we died tomorow? I love every single one of mine and dont regret any of them and at the moment i am planning to get a back piece done. It comes down to personal choice and corrine not every one gets the tatoos of the walls of the tattoo studio! none of mine are!!!!! And ‘think you will find that alot of WHITE aussies as you like to say actually like other cultures, i love the japanese flowers and gieshas and koi fish and i dont have a drop of japanese in me!