Identity – Portraits | Modification | Adornment. The exhibition launch night.

Identity – Portraits | Modification | Adornment.

An exhibition celebrating the work of tattooists, artists and photographers,
curated by Things&Ink magazine at Into You, London

 

This is a film by Papercut Pictures from the exhibition launch night.

Did you attend the launch night? Can you spot yourself in the video?

Identity: Portraits, Modification, Adornment from Papercut Pictures on Vimeo.
Music by: Manatees – ‘Untitled’ from the album Icarus, The Sunclimber

The crowds at the opening night of the exhibition at Into You, London.

 

Some more information behind the exhibition:
Identity means something different to us all, and it is something some of us can struggle with into our adult years. This collection of original artwork and photography explores the way our identities can be informed by the world around us and what we choose to do with our bodies. Each piece is the artist’s interpretation of the theme – no restrictions or limitations. The collection is varied, exciting and thought-provoking.

The exhibition also coincides with the launch of The Identity Issue – issue 7 of Things & Ink magazine – which explores identity within the medium of tattooing, with stunning editorial shoots and in-depth features.

The Identity exhibition is currently on show at Into You London until the first week of July.

The Identity exhibition features work from:
Alex Binnie / Araceli 4ever / Axa Shireen / Goldilox
Delphine Noiztoy / Duncan X / Joao Bosco /
Matt (Oddboy) Barratt-Jones / Susanna Widmann / Wendy Pham
Ramon Maiden / James Woodford / Jack Newton / Tomas Tomas  Adam Sage /
Luke Garwood / Heather Shuker 

The event was kindly sponsored by Sailor Jerry… thanks for the rum cocktails… xx

 

Tattoo hide and seek with my grandparents

I got my first tattoo when I was 18. My boyfriend was getting some script to begin his Japanese sleeve and I had always loved the idea of having a tattoo. I jumped in feet first, literally, having a floral henna design on my foot. The pain was enough for me to wait three years until I got another tattoo, contrary to a friend who said it had merely felt like a scratch.

Ever since I have been covering and attempting to hide my tattoos from my Grandparents. I’m not ashamed or anything like that, I just cannot be bothered to listen to the disappointing lecture that I’m sure will ensue. This will be similar to the ones concerning my A-levels and wishes to travel.

Maybe I’m wrong but I have heard their disapproving remarks before when faced with tattooed women. They are certainly traditional, perhaps a prudish couple- I have never seen them hold hands, god forbid kiss! I am the only member of my family who is tattooed, bar one uncle who has a small tattoo of his football team’s logo. The outrage and disbelief that this tiny piece of ink caused was enough for me to purposely cover my own spreading collection.

My Grandma turns eighty this weekend and I have been on a desperate search to find a long sleeved maxi dress, so that the dinner remains a celebration of her birthday and not a discussion about my life choices.

I’m sure my grandparents are not alone in their feelings, during their time they have seen tattoos growing in popularity. Perhaps they recognise them as a sign of time spent in prison, or hanging around sailors at dockyards, and possibly prostitution. I’m speculating here, I have never dared to ask them directly their opinion on the tattooed community, but from their past comments concerning tramp stamps I am not willing to take the risk of bearing all just yet.

Surprisingly though during a recent visit with my friend to her Grandparents, I was encouraged to show off my legs. Her grandma was enthralled by the colourful designs that I have acquired. She even joked that her husband’s legs would be much improved with a nice tattoo. Her delight may be due to the fact that I am not her granddaughter, who has no tattoos. I am someone else’s family; she has not seen my immaculate skin as a baby being transformed into living art! My Grandparents are not a deterrent, I have many tattoos planned, but I almost enjoy finding new clothes to wear to hide them, as well as having a sneaky piece of ink visible to see if they catch me out!

I can’t believe that I am the only one who makes every effort to cover their ink, or are you lucky and your grandparents approve of your tattoos? Do your grandparents have more tattoos than you?

Would you ditch your tattoos for love, like Drew Barrymore?

Drew Barrymore is having her six tattoos removed so that she can fully convert to Judaism, the religion of her husband.
Would you undergo painful laser procedures for your partner? Or have you in order to convert to a religion?

The Jewish Torah prohibits tattoos; “You shall not make cuts in your flesh for a person (who died). You shall not etch a tattoo on yourselves. I am the Lord.” – Leviticus 19:28.

Drew Barrymore believes that it is these permanent marks that will prevent her from being buried in a traditional Jewish cemetery. However Drew is mistaken, although the act of tattooing is prohibited it does not stop you from having a traditional burial. A cleansing ritual is performed on the deceased body, in which jewellery and other added objects are removed, and the body is returned to how it was at birth.

This is not the only reason for Drew’s mass lasering as she wishes to be more conservative and grown up. Are you not a mature adult if your body is covered in ink? Known for her flower child personality, her tattoo are marks of her free living past, which she wishes to leave behind to become a wife and mother.

Images from: www.maurieandeve.com,  www.mindbodygreen.com and www.freetattoodesigns.org

Sailor Jerry sponsors The Things&Ink Identity exhibition

We are very pleased to announce that Sailor Jerry will be sponsoring the opening of IDENTITY – Portraits | Modification | Adornment – our exhibition at Into You London in May 2014.

Join and celebrate with us:
Thursday 22 May from 7pm
Into You, 144 St John St, London EC1V 4UA
RSVP here.

Sailor Jerry will be providing awesome cocktails including:
Jerry and Ginger Beer
Sailor Jerry and Coke
Jerry Mojito
Shave & a Haircut
Heavy Punch

Respect his legacy, drink responsibly.

What more could you ask for? Ink, art and booze. See you on Thursday…

Jerry and Ginger Beer

 

SJ Mojito
Jerry Mojito

 

Shave & a Haircut

 

Heavy Punch

 

Cocktails recipes from Sailor Jerry coming soon. More information about the event here.