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Symbolism Essay On Tattoos

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Introduction “ My body is a journal, and my tattoos are my story.” (Johnny Depp- Tattoos." Interview. Audio blog post. Quotes Goodreads. N.p., n.d. Web.) Generalizing the concept of tattoo, to its artistic form, Depp acknowledges the symbolic expression that is attributed to his tattoos. Situating the phenomenal study for the search of symbolism in tattoos, this thesis aims to investigate the symbolic anthropology that is alluded to tattoos and how it aids in shaping a collective identity. In multifarious cultures and traditions; fixated, permanent body decorations such as piercings, scarifications and tattoos are seen as a form of basic spiritual human expression. Tattoos are considered a form of body modification and are considered …show more content…

Be it simply be the ways of linguistic abilities or even the shared belief systems of traditions and customs, community and group identity are key theories that enable us to understand a traditional sense of symbolism in retrospective Singapore. Symbolic expression refers to understanding the need and justifying the rationale of symbolic nature of tattoos. Moreover, it is about reiterating the type of the symbolism that explains why the community of ‘The Inked’ yield to these methods or perspectives of symbolic …show more content…

Through this master narrative, the art of tattoo inflicts tension in society persists till today. With an unsympathetic and harsh master narrative that is formed through historical events, the art form of tattoo is still deemed as distasteful to some. However, in view of phenomenal influences in Singapore such as globalisation, the master narrative has become fragmented- tattoo art is seen as a form of expression where it has an audience to appreciate it. The majority have deviated from the master narrative which immediately creates tension and builds complexity in understanding of tattoos as symbols as there are multiple perspectives that we have to take into account when dissecting this

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