OUGD503: Needles & Pins Tattoo Documentary

When investigating the subcultures and genres of art which link to tattooing. The documentary was Grace Neutral, tattoo artist and tattoo activist travelling around South Korea investigating the culture there. Interviews took place with many people, one of particular influence being Dr X, tattooist based in London. He said how the idea of tattooing is based on criminal tattoos and how from a distance they look quite scary and intimidating, yet when you get 'close up its just taking the piss'. He likes the idea of tattoos being mad and wrong.

He comes from a middle class background, didn’t know anyone with tattoo’s so he altered himself.. created a new version of himself’ Mr X’.. not taking it too seriously. Hammer in concrete represents working class. The whole message is to 'Show your true self'.

Grace explores how you can be your own body designer, which can do so much for confidence and give you a new sense of freedom. When you know what 'freedom you can have with your own body so enticing to experiment more and more with it'.

Tattoo's are often associated with working class subculture. It was quite secret and backstreet, which has now been totally lost in most developed places. Best time ever-  if you want a tattoo now’s the best time to get one!

How do you rebel now? Tattoo doesn’t do the same thing anymore. “Its not taboo its not, the rebellious act it use to be”.

Throughout the documentary Grace comments on the atmosphere, saying there is an amazing energy.

Skins a blank canvas, let it be coloured in - illustration/animation