Visual Art: Tattoos

This is it, this is my final free post on this blog.

And very possibly the second to last post on this blog in general.

So I really wanted to use this entry to focus on a strong interest of mine, so originally this blog was going to take several different forms, I was going to see if I could take pictures of the musicians that I often listen too, or I was going to take street fashion snaps of all the stylish fashionable people I see when wondering down the streets of Amemura and Shinsaibashi.

But then I decided I should use this chance to focus on a set of photos that I am particularly proud of.

Tattoo’s in Japan

As part of my final grade for this class [Visual Anthropology Of Japan] I decided to do a photo exhibition in place of the end of semester exam, simply because I hate doings tests and exams and like taking photos, and when initially needing to choose a subject topic for my photo exhibition one of the first things that came to my mind was tattoo’s, specifically Japanese tattoos.

When I first came to Japan, I had no tattoos and no real thoughts, opinions or desire to get any tattoo’s, however now I currently have four tattoo’s and a booking to get a fifth tattoo next month before I return to my country, I am glad that this sudden interest and rather strong addiction to the art of tattoos occurred while in Japan, because I have quickly learnt that the style of tattoos in Japan are amazing.

So here are a few of my favourite photos from my photo exhibition.

The first photo is easily one of my favourites, more so because this is one of the many tattoo’s belonging to the lady who does all of my tattoos.

With her, you can tell its something important, every tattoo would need to have some meaning and be a work of art in its own right, so not only does she give amazing tattoos, but has them aswell

For the second picture, I won’t stray from Chopstick Tattoo (the salon where I get my tattoos), the next picture is one of the many tattoos of the receptionist, all of her tattoos are amazingly done and have such good designs and use of colour and shading.

This picture was one of the many taken at a music concert, for confidentiality reasons I can drop any hints on who this may be, but from the moment I saw these tattoos I loved them, they are all quite contrasting but still somehow manage to blend together well

The next picture is not only one of my favourites, but a favourite of many other people I have shown, naturally because it’s a really well done Japanese dragon tattoo, the quality in the design is stunning which really makes it stand out, once again this tattoo was taken at a concert, so no hints on the owner, but I will say he did seem very proud of this tattoo, but he has every right to be

This picture was taken after a music event, but unlike the other photos related to music, this tattoo does not belong to a band member, but a fan. I think it is a really interesting design, the simple black tone of it goes well, it’s very kind of simple but stylish, I think in a good way, it probably says a lot about the owner of the tattoo

Yet another one taken at a concert, so once again no hints, but I will say that this time it belongs to a female band member. I do love the simplicity but beauty of this design; I think it does really show the contrast between female tattoos and male tattoo when done in this style in Japan.

And one more taken at a concert, in all honesty, wolf designs are kind of common, because of the meaning and qualities that many people attach to the idea of a wolf, it has become a well wide popular tattoo choice, but I must say I do like this particular wolf, it is really well done, and up close you can see some amazing detailing, it does indeed suit the owner

And lastly, this last photo was taken during a visit to a host bar (it’s a interesting experience) this particular host had several tattoos, this as well as one on his hand where my favourites.

In conclusion I think tattoos are becoming a important part of visual representation among Japans youth, they are starting to become a fashionable way to express oneself, and not necessarily a taboo.