Changing values of tattoo

Tattoos
We attempt to define the culture of tattooing in Singapore through exploring the various motivations behind getting a tattoo.

People get tattoos for various reasons: some to look trendy, sensual and sexy, others for religious or other symbolic meanings.

The motivation may be varied, but all those who willingly go through the pain of the needle in the process of getting tattoos share a common trait: They share strong emotional attachments towards the chosen tattoo designs. This attachment in turn translates to a form of determination to want to go under the needle.

Through our photos, we seek to ensemble these individuals and vocalise their thoughts and emotions through largely environmental portraits. We do not try to blur their distinctions or make them more similar to one another, for each is unique in their different ways.

As aptly put by Vancouver tattoo artist Thomas Lockhart, "For everyone, tattoo is personal," he says. "Though the tattoo may be only skin deep, its significance can run as deep as the soul."

Tattoos are for life. In each life, a different story is told. Unfold these stories through our photo trail with us.

Rebirth ~ "Everyone embarks upon this journey we call life bearing a scar, a silent witness to the moment when we were forced to separate from our mothers body forever; symbolic of the life that we have been given, representative of the weapons of self preservation and self destruction innate in every human being. As we are scarred at the very onset of our lives, so are we scarred upon every moment of rebirth."

- Sandra Acevedo, source: Body Modification Ezine (BME)

The Historical Art of Tattoos
For thousand of years, the art of tattoo flourished in societies as beauty adornments or religious signs.

The American Indians believed that such "war paint" would protect them in battle. Burmese has divine faith that a tattoo over the heart can stop bullets. Tahitians took tattoos to a higher social significance when young girls with tattoos will imply sexual maturity and freedom from other restrictions.

In South Korea, tattoos are considered as symbols of disgrace. Likewise in Japan, the skin imprints are casually associated with yakuza, gangsters who cover their bodies with tattoos. The history of tattoos in Japan can be traced way back to the 17th Century as a visual form of rebellion art.

The Local Tattoo Market
The tattoo experience does not just bring an end in itself, a selfish self-consumed macho-ism but a spiritual rebirth to a bigger world out there with revelation.

In Singapore, the psychographics of the clientele stretches to all ages of different professions, although most tattoo artists interviewed mentioned a general house rule of minimum 18 years in age.