Body Of Work

From an artistic mash-up of favourite motifs to a simple straight line, there is no better expression of identity than a custom tattoo. These artists explain what it means to infuse their own style into their subjects’ ultimate personal statement.

- Christina Ko

It’s one of the oldest practices known to mankind, yet for many decades tattooing was associated with the underbelly of society. Nowadays, it’s less likely to display membership with a gang, indicate the shame of a prisoner, or even connote a mark of leadership or protection. It’s an expression of identity that is permanent, personal, and even political, a collaborative statement made together by artist and subject that has no equal in format.

While it was once de rigueur to flip through a book of “flashes” (ready-made tattoo designs) and pick your favourite drawing, most body art now is custom and highly considered. Thick-rimmed statements like flying hearts and bald eagles have given way to fine-line tattoos popularised by the likes of celebrity tattoo artist Dr Woo, with the delicate linework applied to motifs ranging from nature scenes to favoured quotes and pet portraits.

Equally, the type of people who work as tattoo artists is evolving; no longer are they the expected biker boys and goth chicks of bygone reality TV. In Singapore, a Primary 6 girl made headlines last year for becoming a practising artist with 12 clients under her belt (her father and mentor is Visual Orgasm’s Joseph Siow). Many entering the industry today have backgrounds in art or design.