Shot with Canon EOS 6D; special thanks to Billy and Stephanie.
Tattoo has always been a taboo in my culture.
For decades, tattoo is seen as an identity of gangs, bad influence; and most importantly, a disrespect to our parents – an adage rooted in every, if not, all Chinese:
"...The body, hair and skin, all have been received from the parents, and so one doesn’t dare damage them—that is the beginning of xiao (filial piety)." (Translated by Feng Xin-ming)
身體髮膚，受之父母，不敢毀傷，孝之始也。《孝經．開宗明義章》
As a result of these beliefs, growing up in a Chinese society it is a "norm" to be subjective towards tattooing, especially when tattoo used to have a symbolic meaning.
After all, it will always be controversial to debate over tattoo with traditional morals. However today, when individualistic culture is more promoted through social media, tattoo is given another definition as a decoration to the body, or even a "fashionable" accessory.
Apart from discussing whether the trend is fostering the recognition of tattoo or abusing the craftsmanship, the contradiction of the two perspectives deepens my interest in understanding the subject. The project aims to understand tattoo as a craftsmanship and profession, an art of identification and expressing oneself. With help from a friend, I got in contact with the owner and artist of Blackout Tattoo, Rob Kelly, and Walking Chen, a professional skateboarder who is keen on getting inked; during which I have learned to gain more respect and appreciation towards this art form.
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