Body of Work: Tattoo Culture explores the rapid growth of tattooing as a form of creative and artistic self-expression whose mainstream acceptance has been driven, in part, by pop culture.

Featuring photographs, artifacts, films, original artwork, interactives, and filmed interviews, the exhibit examines the rich history and artistry of tattooing, with its diverse expression in different cultures, and demonstrates the critical role that pop culture has played in bringing body modification to the mainstream. The exhibit explores the social history of tattoos using historical and contemporary photography, oral history interviews, short documentary films created specifically for this exhibition, text panels, and digital and physical interactives to ensure the highest level of inclusivity.

The exhibition contains 10 distinct sections, each with different elements and themes.

Exhibit Features:

• Interactive tattoo pain heatmap
• ‘Discover your tattoo style’ quiz
• Tattoo chair photo op
• Extensive historic and educational didactics on tattoo culture and practices
• Original art installation created with West Coast-based tattoo artists, Indigenous artists, and other diverse contributors
• Original portraits of artists, tattoo studios, and tattoos

Originally designed for travel by the Museum of Pop Culture, this is the exhibit’s first trip on the road.