Touch Assignment
"Oni", Charcoal, 9" x 12" Quote: "Ultimately, tattoos make unique the surface of one's self, embodies one's secret dreams, adorn with magic emblems the Altamira of the flesh." - A Natural History of the Senses, Diane Ackerman Statement: Tattooing is undoubtedly one of the most interesting and ancients forms of skin-deforming arts. The art of tattooi ng grew fast in popularity in the underworld of Japan and is seen as a form of self-expression. The Japanese tattoo is called "irezumi" and in this piece, I attempted to recreate a popular tattoo, the Oni mask. This is a supernatural ogre and represents a symbol of protection for those who believe in the spiritual world. Ultimentiamely the ancient art of tattooing is best described by a quote from Sandi Fellman, "beauty created through brutal means," "power bestowed at the price of submission," "the glorification of flesh as a means to spirituality." Seeing In...
