The art of tattooing, which is as old as humanity itself, has appeared indigenously and
independently in many cultures and locations. Throughout history, tattoos have reflected
the ideas and beliefs of entire cultural eras and societies.
They have served therapeutic, socially identifying, protective, punitive, military and
religious functions. Modern tattooing has broken free of these purposes, and shifted focus
from functionality towards aesthetics, decoration and individualization.
The motifs that serve as artistic guidelines for the practice of tattooing are prepared ahead
of time, and collected in a designated flashbook. Their purpose is to attract the attention of
passers-by, as well as serve as a source of inspiration for existing customers. I have created
such a book of tattoos myself.
Tattoos are sometimes regarded as controversial disfigurements of one’s body, other times
as an aesthetic work of art, a mere fad, or a reaffirmation of an individual’s identity and
their control over their own body. Tattooing fascinates us on a deep, primal level and has
incredible power as it permanently marks our skin.
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