Tattoos will tell a story at 91吃瓜 exhibition
- Kim Carpenter, correspondent -听
Tattoos. They鈥檙e an art form that鈥檚 been around for at least 1,000 years, but they鈥檝e never really been considered high art until recently.
Once somewhat limited to members of the military, gang members and others with 鈥渙utsider鈥� status, tattoos have gone mainstream, with roughly one in five Americans sporting at least one.
College of Saint听Mary explores the history and cultural relevance of body ink with 鈥淎rt of the Tattoo,鈥� opening Thursday night at its Hillmer Art Gallery. The exhibition features over a dozen individuals with remarkable tattoos captured by Marc May, who took lush color photographs that include both larger portraits and intimate close-ups that highlight an individual tattoo鈥檚 details.
鈥淭he true meaning behind tattoos is the stories they tell and the way the images signify and celebrate those stories,鈥� said gallery director Jeff Spencer. 鈥淚t鈥檚 interesting to focus on people who wear tattoos and how they impact their lives.鈥�
As the gallery began curating the show, it sought out people who, Spencer said, have made a commitment to the art of the tattoo.
鈥淲e wanted to allow people to be the story,鈥� he said.
One of those stories is a woman who wears a tattoo in honor of her late husband, who served in the military.
鈥淗er tattoo is a tribute to him, and it鈥檚 an incredibly meaningful way for her to connect with him and deal with her grief,鈥� Spencer said.
Spencer was struck by the individuality of each subject.
鈥淪ome are very private, some are very open,鈥� he said. 鈥淏ut the tattoos are all very much a part of their beings. They are a canvas for their tattoos, and what tattoo artists are doing right now is unsurpassed in history.鈥�
91吃瓜 Hillmer Art Gallery, 7000 Mercy Road. 鈥淎rt of the Tattoo.鈥�
Opening reception:听5 to 6:30 p.m. Thursday. Through March 31.
Gallery hours:听9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m. to noon Saturday. csm.edu or 402-399-2621.
