Do you recognize tattoo as art?
Tattoo is one of the ancient form of art, which has been developing for many centuries. Tattoo is considering as the primal form of art. But, still the recognition of tattoos as art is difficult in the capital of Kazakhstan. Despite the historical emergence and influence of the tattoo, the development of this art form is being slow. The development of tattoo in Astana contributes to the development of culture, the expansion of art boundaries, as well as appearing of a new business niche. In this case, was explored as well as discussed development of tattoo culture in Astana, and what factors affect to development of tattoo in Astana.
Tattoo is permanent image of drawing or writing on the skin, applied to the body by paint.
History of tattoo begins from tattoos on mummified human skin extends only to the 4th millennium BC. Which confirms the oldest discovery of tattooed human skin to date, dating to between 3370 and 3100 BC. Art of tattooing was used in many countries as Chine – 550 BC, Greece – 5th century BC (Deter-Wolf, Aaron; Robitaille, Benoît; Krutak, Lars; Galliot, Sébastien February 2016), Japan – 300 AD (Margaret Lock, 1998), Egypt – 2000 BC (Geoffrey J. Tassie, 2003), New Zealand – 18 century AD.
«Some have tattooes more, some less; apparently, they think these lines are something like armor; Maori gets them because of the attainments», — wrote english politician John Bright, who visited New Zealand in 1839. Earlier James cook wrote that the people living on the territory of New Zealand – Maori, had a tattooes on their faces and throughout the body. Traditional tattoo on the body and face of Maori people is called Moko (Major-General Robley, 1896). Maori’s Moko is not just tattoo, but an integral part of the culture. It’s worth noting that tattoos on the face nowadays are gaining popularity and are becoming the new trend in tattoo art, therefore we can say that the Maori’s tattoo culture affects to the tattoo art for nowadays. History shows, that tattoos on the face also has practiced in ancient Rome and Greece, where tattooes on the face was have the meaning of punishment. This type of tattoo was an forcible in comparison of Maori’s tattoo spiritual meaning. For example, in some countries as Japan and Russia popularity of tattooes were had the prisoners, who was showing by tattoos why they got in a prison. Therefore, in society tattooes was associated with something bad like prison and crimes.
The tendency which was previously considered an attribute of sailors, criminals and bikers is a popular body adornment for many people nowadays. At present, tattooes is considering as a part of art and have 25 styles, which was created in different historical periods. How the time passes, tattoo art started been popular also in Kazakhstan, especially today, when people want to segregate from the grey mass and show their individuality or just mark something on their body for beauty or for memory. But, still tattoo culture in country is not so developed as abroad and development is being slow.
In this case, tattoo artist from Astana shared opinion and experience for the research. According to the tattoo artist, tattoo culture in Astana in comparison with foreign countries and cities only starts to develop. In Kazakhstan also held tattoo convention, the exchange of experience between masters within the country, cities and between countries, such as Russia. In modern society and rapidly developing Astana the thinking of people is also developing quickly and modernizarea. However, being one of the youngest capitals, Astana is starting to develop in all aspects of contemporary culture and art, in particular tattoos.
«In my opinion, tattoo is a part of art. Tattoo is now more aesthetic, interesting, used different techniques. It’s not easy. Many people have a negative attitude towards tattoos, but now the tattoo is different, it begins to develop and become interesting. Tattoo is an art.»
— said tattoo artist.
Tattoo nowadays became an integral part of art with huge historical background and difference in styles and techniques. Tattooing is the sixth-fastest-growing retail business in the United States. Tattooing is recognized by government agencies as both an art form and a profession. As tattoo-related artwork is considered to be fine art, tattoo designs are the subject of museum and gallery art shows across the United States, Canada and Europe (Tattoo E-book, 2013). More open and neutral attitude of the Western countries affect the attitude of the Kazakhstani people to the understanding of the term “art”, because the development is to consider tattoo as a part of art, which further contributes to the direct development, not only as art in the country, but business. The opening of a new tattoo studios is one of the directly important parts of tattoos business in the country. As a result, it is capable to attract people to understanding the culture “tattoo”. Some of the factors contributing to the development of the tattoo are the foreigners who arrived in Kazakhstan during the world exhibition Expo-2017 in the capital of Kazakhstan – Astana. Due to more open attitude towards the tattoo, the foreigners also helps to develop Kazakh masters in working with different clients and to have an experience. From this it follows that the tattoo culture in Astana begins to grow, which factor is in the expansion of the people’s attitude towards tattoos as art, regardless of sphere of activity or belief, as well as growth of creative and creative individuals, due to which the development occurs.
Diana Temirova
