Body is the new social wall
Ever wished for a tattoo on your ‘much-imagined’ body?
Welcome to the tribe. Tattooing left its moral boundaries of taboo and gained more acceptance among different generations. We talked to a mom and daughter who came for their piece of body part in the neighborhood tattoo studio in Bangalore.
Before getting inside the most popular tattoo studios of Bangalore and new flash designs, let us have some tattoo theory!
We learned about tattoos in high school textbooks!. In a different period of history, (too early ) we have seen pictures of people with wild body art. Split the history of body art into three points. Ancient tribal cultures wrote a lot on their bodies. It entered into the modern scene in 70’s counter-cultural movements. Then indeed to Silicon Valley before reaching into our identity play. Also we heard story of a tattoo startup raised $20Billion for their ink.
Another question for digital diggers;
Why do we tattoo? Three or more right or ‘looks like right’ answers.
It can be a strong personal statement about our identity. If someone is looking for power and authority, a tattoo artist will suggest a combination of lion and eagle. It depends on who you are and how you want to bring it out through your flash. Before going to meet the artist, do some research and take some references. Your design chat will be more creative and you will get what you are looking for.
Your cause matters here. #BLM in America plays as a main theme in tattoos across black and white people there. From girl power to climate change; it’s time to pick your cause and print it on your body.
It has a healing touch from a mental health perspective. Tattoo artist Sadan says sometimes it feels like therapy. Memories, trauma and life lived to become a permanent source to write something on your body.
Bring your own reasons to the table. One street tattoo artist told us that people sometimes want to do it like a religious ritual.
Tattoo machines are more precise now for better design detailing. The value or demand of a tattoo artist depends on the flashes she is offering. Each tattoo artist has their own set of flashes to choose from.
Find the best tattoo artist in Bangalore here.
Tattoo festivals are also on the rise where you can explore different tattoo artists in the town.
#TRENDS
Minimalism and Fine Lines
Recently, minimalist tattoos and fine lines have surged in popularity. This trend focuses on simplicity and subtlety. It utilizes delicate designs and precise linework to create elegant pieces of body art. Minimalist tattoos can be spotted by small symbols, geometric patterns, or single-line drawings. It allows us to express ourselves without overwhelming our skin with bold imagery.
Watercolour Tattoos
No explanation is needed if you know about the style of watercolour. Watercolour tattoos feature soft and blended hues, resembling the fluidity and artistic freedom of traditional watercolour artworks. These tattoos often lack harsh outlines and instead incorporate gentle brushstrokes, creating a dreamy and whimsical effect.
Dotwork and Geometric Tattoos
Dotwork and geometric tattoos have been gaining popularity among those seeking intricate and mesmerizing body art. Dotwork tattoos are created by applying tiny dots to form intricate patterns and images, while geometric tattoos utilise geometric shapes and patterns to craft stunning designs that symbolise harmony, balance, and symmetry.
Cultural and Symbolic Tattoos
In recent times, there has been a resurgence of interest in cultural and symbolic tattoos, with people embracing designs that pay homage to their heritage, ancestry, or personal beliefs. These tattoos serve as a powerful way to connect with one’s roots and celebrate diverse cultural traditions.
3D and Hyper-realism Tattoos
Advancements in tattooing technology and techniques have paved the way for hyper-realistic tattoos. These masterpieces are so lifelike that they can often be mistaken for actual photographs. Artists skilled in this style use shadows, highlights, and intricate detailing to create realistic portraits and images, turning human skin into a canvas for photo-realistic art.
Sustainability and Vegan Inks
In line with the global movement toward sustainability and ethical consumption, many tattoo artists and enthusiasts are now opting for vegan inks and sustainable practices. Vegan tattoo inks do not contain animal-derived ingredients and are not tested on animals, making them a cruelty-free choice for eco-conscious individuals.
In the last decade, tattooing has transformed into a celebrated art form, evolving with the times and embracing diverse trends. From minimalist designs to hyperrealism, each style represents a unique facet of an individual’s personality, identity and journey. As this form of expression continues to thrive and evolve, tattooing remains a timeless and powerful way for people to wear their stories on their skin, making a lasting impression on both themselves and the world around them.
This is part 1 of a series of articles about tattooing. We will also have a video and guide about tattooing soon. Subscribe to our newsletters or follow our social media to find the best reasons to tattoo or hate it!
