Tattoos: A trend and a symbol
22.05.12
Tattoos are not only for the bikers and military, but have become a growing trend around the world. With new shops opening, personal artists hosting tattoo parties, and television shows such as ‘”NY Ink” and “Miami Ink,” tattoo world is in display. The craft of tattooing has evolved since its start in 3300 B.C. Ötzi the Iceman was found in the Ötz valley in the Alps and had approximately 57 carbon tattoos consisting of simple dots and lines on his lower spine, behind his left knee, and on his right ankle. Now tattoos have taken a turn and are more about abstract and color.
Looking into entertainment industry today, many artists and actors have custom designs on their bodies. Rappers Wiz Khalifa and Lil Wayne have full body art on their upper bodies covering their chest, arms, back and even little designs on their faces. Some artists have even taken it a little farther by putting ice cream cones on their face like rapper Gucci Mane.
For a less dramatic effect, a popular trend with tattoos is the common theme of religion. “We do so many tattoos commemorating someone that has passed,” said Greg Martin, a tattoo artist at Kingpin Studios. “Most will have a cross, wings, halo, praying hands or some combination of these with names and dates.”
Source: A & T Register