Body art has been a central part of humankind’s means of expression throughout history. It may be argued that the impulse to create art is one of the defining signs of humanity and the body was one of the first canvases to facilitate self-expression. Enid Schildkrout’s Body Art as Visual Language states that paintings on cave walls created by early humans over 30,000 years ago show handprints and ochre deposits that suggest suggesting body painting, and some of the earliest discovered mummies date back at least 5,000 years.
Fast forward to this century, the National Geographic News stated in April 2000 that 15 percent of Americans were tattooed (approximately 40 million people) and a Harris Poll done in 2003 estimated that 36 percent of those aged 25-29 had one or more tattoos.
So what is the 21st century meaning behind this practice? When asking individuals their motivation to get a tattoo, they often have a personal anecdote or experience that influenced the decision. In most cases, the individual will share a piece of themselves—whether it be their own philosophy or perspective, an experience that has shaped or defined them or a passion, stating more about them than words alone could express. Jack London once said, “Show me a man with a tattoo, and I’ll show you a man with an interesting past.” People throughout history have used tattoos as a way of communicating something about themselves; whether it be their status, cultural or religious affiliation or their belonging to a particular group or clan.
However, the definition of “self” has gained importance in modern times as the focus has shifted away from the collective mentality of previous generations and transformed into an era of individualism. Although the practice of tattooing has taken on a new meaning, it still serves a similar purpose as the early depictions did: storytelling. Whether the story is centred upon the reasons for getting a tattoo, the meaning behind each piece or the experience itself, body art offers a small glimpse into the individual, allowing us to connect with and gain a better understanding of the wearer.
