Tattoo Trend That Went Sideways?

Philippines oldest tribal tattoo artist, Whang-Od once said: “The downfall of tattoo begins when people does not recognise or learn about its significant purpose."

photo by Aaron Leonen

In the current generation, tattoo is seen everywhere. With tattoo being worn on public figures such as celebrities, football players and more, it has improved local’s perspective towards tattoo and making it socially acceptable comparing to the olden days, in which leads it to becoming a trend, that went sideways?

I mean, tattoo is a very old art known to mankind and it has been around for so long, but what makes it popular nowadays comparing to before? First, let us talk about its origin, specifically in Southeast Asia. For most nations around the region then, tattooing is done with primitive tools such as sticks and thorns and is seen as a significant ritual event that is diffuse with purpose.

Some Southeast Asian of the ancient times uses tattoo to embrace the beauty of mystical geometry such as Yantra. It is a type of sacred geometric pattern that is aid as a source of focus during meditation in the Hindu and Buddhist spiritual tradition. In Thailand, Yantra is applied in a tattooing tradition known as Sak Yant, which is estimated to be between one- to two-thousand-year-old. Relevant practitioner often tattoos the pattern on themselves as it is believed to possess magic and reflect the teaching of their beliefs.

Besides that, due to a long tradition of ancestor worship and spirit magic, our local tribes in Borneo believe that specific tattoo offers spiritual meaning and protection.

“The traditional hand-tapped tribal tattoos can intimidate evil spirit, enchant strength and achievements, mark your ethnicity, heal, and represents a rite of passage for going into adulthood.” says tattoo artist Reef Bryah from Wayang Kulit Tatu.

photo by Uncharted Backpacker

After stating the clear purpose of tattoo in the ancient time, we now reflect on the current known purpose of tattoo. In this generation, not many are willing to learn about the roots of tattoo and what it means. Instead of saying that its meaning had fade away, it would be explained as the purpose of tattoo has advanced through then. People now embrace tattoo for its beauty, rather than its purpose.

Moving on, back in the days, creator of tattoos was seen as respectable figures as what they do is perceive as an act and duty of holiness. However, tattoo is seen as a career rather than a responsibility now. I believe that whatever you do, it is a must to learn and accept its root and essence. Yes, there are tattoo artist that does so, but it is also seen as a way of just getting some income for certain unethical practitioner.

As tattoo becomes trendy, it inspires many to pursue this line of work for its social status as tattoo artist are seemed to be cool and they go about their lives in a free-spirited manner where they do not get restricted by certain practice that is run in the corporate industry such as 9-5 job, assigned on what to do and more. Meanwhile, those who does not know the right way to learn how to tattoo, would learn by themselves through online platform such as YouTube which is inclusive of relevant tutorials.

photo by Victoria Ashley

It is discouraged as they do not receive proper training and knowledge on skills, hygiene, formality, market price and more. It could potentially ruin the tattoo industry’s name and image, and cause risks that online tutorial would not emphasise on such as health complication or even having the tattoo fade away in years.

“It is best suggested to go through an apprenticeship to obtain the skills of proper tattooing if you truly respect and have passion for its form of art.” stated by Bruce Redgrey, tattoo artist from BlackCat Tattoo Studio.

Meanwhile, the tattoo scene in Malaysia is known to be evolving but growing slightly slower comparing to foreign countries such as United States of America and Europe. Some tattoo artist states that they are not able to explore much in terms of tattoo art and techniques due to customer here being highly influenced by social media. It is understood that Malaysian customer often ask for similar design that they saw online rather than truly trust a tattoo artist for their own creation.

Other than that, tattoo has become a style and fashion statement for some tattoo collectors which rarely give deep research on what it means. Some even degrades tattoo artist and their skill by negotiating price or even insist strongly on getting what they want rather than letting the artist design what they are skilled in. In this way, tattoo practitioner does not get to practice what they believe in and cause its form of art is to be given limited respect and prospect.

We must understand ethical and professional tattoo artist devoted their lives to master in a craft that they are passionate in. To be fair for one another, tattoo artist and customer should always meet in the middle as the whole process is a two-man task.

“The possibilities are endless when both parties trust one another and gets to input their ideas and creativity in terms of working a piece together which benefits everyone in the end.” mentioned by junior tattoo artist, Strangy Shane.

Overall, tattoo has advanced since the ancient time till now. It is understood that changes are necessary and unavoidable while it is still important that we appreciate the form and origin of tattoo art, despite having different cultural teaching and knowledge. Also, not all changes are bad while not all are good, we should always keep an open mindset towards it.

To those who wants to get a tattoo, research is important and always remember the 3 Knows. First, know what you want to get instead of getting the same as others or online. Second, know and trust your artist’s skill and work. Third, know that tattoo artist will always know more about tattoos than you. Lastly, just surrender your skin and ego!