off the skin at hatch art
“Tattooing is an intricate and demanding craft. Not all tattoo artists engage in an art practice beyond their craft, but when they do, it sparks great creativity. The dedication and sacrifice required for proficient tattooing make it challenging for artists to prioritize other pursuits. Drawing inspiration from an ancient craft, we choose to apply our skills, creating personal works of art in collaboration with those who honor us by wearing our art on their bodies. Some of us harbor a deep desire to create beyond the skin, where we explore with total freedom, the possibilities uninhibited by perfectionism and the constraints of human flesh.”
Curator Dawn Smith addresses female health, bodily autonomy in Menarche, a word indicating a girl’s first menstrual cycle, where innocence is tenderly cherished in a delicate teacup. Metaphors such as spiders indicate anxiety leading to the impulse to hide oneself.
According to early Judaism and Christianity, tattoos defiled a body made perfect by, and in the image of, their God. Roman Emperor Constantine outlawed facial tattooing when he converted to Christianity in 325 A.D. Pope Hadrian forbade it altogether in the 8th century. This may be the impetus for many artists to choose themes that rebel against organized religions. Rosary beads make several appearances in this exhibition including Mother of Mercy and Malice. Visible brushstrokes swirl around the candles flames’ that warmly glow against the cool of the grey blue walls.
The symmetrical, clean composition contrasts to the more painterly works. Evidence of the process is revealed in uneven ink distribution at the edges. Cracks in the egg extend outward to the land and feed into the mountain range. A barely perceptible hand applied curl of smoke wafts across the top of the page.
The execution of this image might be seen in any exhibition. Proportion is on point with expressive dabs of muted color providing dimension. The string pressed into the subject’s flesh is known through light and shadow versus simply dragging a line across the canvas.
During the age of European exploration some sailors were forcibly marked, others took a liking to this exotic art and established tattoo parlors when they returned home. With their help, along with the influence of the more pictorial style of tattooing employed in Japan, the trend became fashionable again.
Aware that tattoo establishments often come with a formidable sense of intimidation, which admittedly, badassery is part of the appeal, this method of adornment still requires a pain threshold that commands respect and admiration. These artists flex their skills that match any 2D maker’s. I wouldn’t get inked by anyone who couldn’t render an image like these artists since I take their work with me and is made to last as long as I do.
Participating artists: Josh Barg, Elyria, Bill Falsetta, Sarah Grossman, Mark Heggie, Melise Hill, Davey James, Jon Larson, Janet Nelson, Matt Paw, Mond Sankara, Anna van Schaap, Alyssa Shirkey, Dawn Smith, Zera
Interview with Curator Dawn Smith, owner of Harlequin Tattoo
Smith takes a few minutes to discuss the perceived disparity between ‘fine art’ and the work tattoo artists create on flesh as well as canvas.