Tattoos: Art of the Skin, Not Tents to Cover

People can and do cover their tattoos when they choose to. In addition to clothing, makeup can be used to cover a tattoo you don’t want to display. However, tattoos are definitely art. The tattoo artist and the customer collaborate on an image or design to be inked onto the skin. It is an expression of the creativity and skill of the collaboration and is intended to be permanent. Just because you or I don't like or agree with someone's tattoos doesn’t change their value to the person wearing them.

Tattoos are Art

Regardless if you think of them as artwork or not, I got my tattoo specifically to show off, so no, I will not cover them up. Many definitions of art exist, but they generally revolve around the concept of intentional creation that reflects the artist's vision and emotions. Not liking something does not change what it is. Just as a sculpture or a painting, a tattoo is a deliberate creation that is part of the body, often referred to as body art.

Body Art Defined

Body art, a broad term that encompasses various forms of body modifications, including tattoos, is a recognized form of art. It is literally known as 'body art,' and who says it isn’t art? You could argue that tattoos are meant to be seen, and if you can't handle looking at others' body art, then you might not be open to experiencing a vast form of human expression.

Personal Expression Through Art

When it comes to tattoos, they serve as a canvas for personal expression. Both the tattoo artist and the customer collaborate to ink an image or design onto the skin. This process is a form of artistic achievement, where the collaboration between the artist and the customer results in a piece of art that is meant to be permanent. It is this permanence that makes tattoos particularly potent forms of self-expression, as they can withstand the test of time and remain a constant part of the wearer's identity.

Moreover, tattoos serve as a visual representation of one's cultural, personal, or emotional journey. They often tell a story, honor a memory, or reflect a change in one's life. It is this deep-seated personal meaning that makes tattoos so valuable and meaningful to those who bear them.

Conclusion

While it is entirely reasonable to want to cover a tattoo for various personal reasons, it is important to recognize that tattoos are indeed art. They are a legitimate form of self-expression, body art, and a permanent piece of an individual's creative journey. If you can't handle the sight of someone’s tattoo, then perhaps it is your own mindset that needs adjusting. Acceptance and understanding of different forms of artistic expression, including body art, is a step towards a more inclusive and diverse world.