Faculty of Design

Graphic Design

Ian Keeler

THE FRAGILE CANVAS - Photo Documentary Series

People have been getting tattoos for thousands of years (Siberian Princess Reveals Her 2,500 Year Old Tattoos). It’s been a way of marking group affiliations, strengthening spiritual connections, commemorating your past and plotting your future.From a psychological perspective, tattoos have often been studied as markers of pathology (Gabriel Garcia-Merritt,1; Hannah Roggenkamp et al). Several studies have worked to establish links between tattoos and mental illnesses, such as self-harm and suicide (Roggenkamp). Research has also found that many perceive tattooed people as more aggressive and promiscuous, or less healthy or attractive (Roggenkamp). However, those with tattoos have deep and complex motivations. For many, it's a form of autobiography (Garcia-Merritt, 22). I want to document this concept. For guidance, I researched several similar projects. One of the most interesting was a collection of photos & drawings of tattooed prisoners in the penal system of the USSR (Russian Criminal Tattoo Archive). Accompanied by translations & (sub)cultural explanations, they tell of a fascinating community formed in the harshest of circumstances by the harshest of people. Another project, "Ink Stained Friends" by Carmen Chan showcased portraits of artists overlaid with images of their tattoos (Vanessa Kotz). These pictures managed to create an incredible portrait through combining face and art, hinting at the personality expressed through both.But I didn’t just want to look at photographers capturing tattoos, I wanted to examine the culture around them. "Harlem Fashion" by Eve Arnold and "Sub Culture" by Iain McKell were perfect inspiration. (Hannah Abel-Hirsch: Lily Le Brun) Both photographers ventured into different subcultures and came back with amazing photos. Their “behind the scenes” style images showed a very humanizing and fascinating glimpse into the inhabitants and spaces of these mini societies.I want to examine the purposes & meanings of the tattoos in a way that looks beyond negative assumptions. I’m hoping to show the personalities of the tattooed and the tattooers.Works Cited in PDF