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 This piece by Richard Jenkins--also known as Richie Vomit--shows the tattoo flash (the design drawn on paper) next to the tattoo on its skin canvas. Sentinel photo by Renee Nyhof [Click to enlarge] |
This is the first time the Arts Center has displayed any type of body art.
The exhibit includes about 60 drawings, paintings and graphic art pieces from five Sioux City body artists: George Owings, Tim McKenny, Rob Hill, Richard Jenkins and Emily Evans.
"The idea for this type of exhibit had been in the file for years; it actually came from a board meeting," said Arts Center Director Kathy Moore.
Arts Center organizers wanted to present a different type of artistry, which may not be considered family-friendly due to the nature of some images.
But this exhibit brings body art to Le Mars as an art form.
"Body art, but tattoos especially, show culture," Moore said. "They speak about the character of the person. They are proof of how strong and courageous they are."
People can see this for themselves by attending the open house at the Arts Center to meet the artists 5-7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 12.
The open house also provides an opportunity to get a temporary tattoo, try a little speed dating and enjoy some refreshments.
Moore also hopes to have a "match the local faces with their tattoos" section. But she is looking for more submissions. If anyone is willing to have a profile picture taken and a picture of their tattoo, contact Moore at 546-7476.
The five artists were chosen by Kim Strohbeen, exhibit manager.
While researching various body artists in Sioux City, she found artist Jenkins -- known as Richie Vomit--through his website at Siouxicide City Tattoos.
"I was completely blown away with his portfolio and awards," wrote Strohbeen in an e-mail explaining her decision to invite Jenkins to be a part of the exhibit.
She then sent an e-mail to Maya's Tattoo and Piercing in Sioux City after having come across artist McKenny's colorful work.
"When I went to visit with Tim, I was introduced to Rob Hill who is a renowned professional body modification artist and he expressed interest in exhibiting some of his work," Strohbeen wrote. "I knew Miss Emily (Evans) from Morningside College where we both studied art. She majored in art education while i majored in studio."
Evans is currently apprenticing at Little Nikki's Tattoo under artist Owings.
"I chose these artists based on their dedication to their work and their craftsmanship," Strohbeen wrote. "All of their work is absolutely amazing and at times I could not believe what I was looking at."
Strohbeen said that once she met these artists, it was evident that they loved what they do.
"All of these people are wonderful examples of artists who live to make art and to give people something wonderful and meaningful," Strohbeen wrote. "This exhibit has really been able to show Le Mars what direction body art is taking and is ready to challenge anyone who might disagree with tattooing and body modification as an art form."
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Tattoos?
As art?
You've got to be kidding me. I like myself more than that.....defacing my body with ink, no way.
I bet these very same people would put a bumper sticker on a Ferrari or spray paint the Mona Lisa.
Considering that the craft of "defacing one's body with ink" is older than civilization itself and has traditional, social and religious implications worldwide; I applaud the Arts Council for presenting to the public what tattoo practitioners in our own corner of the world are up to. This is a brilliant idea on the part of the Arts Council and Kim Strohbeen and I commend them both for presenting an exhibit that has both artistic and anthropological value.
Then we disagree.
I do not want to put tatoos on my body, and I hope my children will abstain from the practice. However, I see the artistic value of the exhibit. Art is always asking the viewer to take a look and expand your perseption of the world.
Personally I cannot think of any one thing I would want on my body for the rest of my life that I would change my mind about later. I often wonder, "What will that look like when they are 80?" when I see many tatoos. But my choices are not to dictate other's choices.
Thank God we live where we can be free to make our own personal choices and have our own opinions that we can freely express.
Actually a777pilot, I'm sure most of the tattoo artists would appreciate the Mona Lisa more than you ever could. An artist is a an artist, no matter his medium. Every tattoo artist I've ever met has exceptional creativity and drawing skills. Most of them create their own flash. Plus they must also have very steady hands as the skin is not as forgiving as a canvas. You cannot erase a mistake on skin. Of course getting a tattoo is a deeply personal decision and they aren't suited for everyone. Just because you would never get one doesn't make them less artistic. It takes years of practice and also some born in talent to be able to do what they do. I commend the Le Mars Arts Council for recognizing that and putting it on display.
Not all tattoo's are skulls, flames or cartoon characters....(although there is nothing wrong with those)....There are some very tastfully done and personally meaningful tat's that some people have. Such as the "In memory of" loved ones.