CaixaForum Madrid presents the biggest exhibition ever devoted to the history of tattooing
02.12.21
2 minutes readTattoo. Art Under the Skin, produced and organised by Musée du quai Branly - Jaques Chirac of Paris and ’’la Caixa’’ Foundation, takes visitors on a journey into the unique universe of tattooing from an anthropological perspective, and analyses the resurgence of what is now a global phenomenon.
Taking a singular and innovative approach, the exhibition traces tattooists and tattooed across time periods and continents to explore the confluences that have made tattooing a global form of artistic expression. Among the personalities featured is the Filipina tattoo artist Whang-od Oggay, 104, often described as the last master to use batok (traditional handmade tattoo).
The exhibition features more than 240 historic and contemporary works, including paintings, drawings, photographs, books, objects – such as tools, masks and stamps – and audiovisuals, among others.
Visitors can also discover a score of prototypes of hyperrealist silicone body parts tattooed in ink, created expressly for the exhibition by masters of this art from different parts of the world: Horiyoshi III, Filip Leu, Mark Kopua, Kari Barba, Jee Sayalero, and Laura Juan – a Madrid artist whose work reflects on social isolation and uncertainty during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Video (no edition) 5’05” Exhibition Tattoo. Art Under the Skin. CaixaForum. (MOV: 182MB)
Video (no edition). Spanish Statements 2’29” Elisa Durán, deputy general director of ”la Caixa” Foundation. Presentation Tattoo. Art Under the Skin. (MOV: 65MB)
Video (no edition). French Statements 1’23” Anne Richard, curator and founder of the magazine HEY! modern art & pop culture. Presentation Tattoo. Art Under the Skin. (MOV: 36 MB)