by guian m. doria and kathleen anne h. johnson
THE art of tattoo, despite its increasing popularity, still summons up a certain stigma because of the stereotypes attached to them. Rather than the historical and cultural significance of this art form, what has actually been retained in people’s minds are the negative associations that television or literature has attached to it. And, largely, it was to dissuade these notions that tattoo lovers and art enthusiasts spearheaded the first major tattoo convention held recently at the Garahe Bar in Malate, Manila.
"We believe that body needling is a deeper form of art that needs to be explored, so we’ll continue to host events to help promote the tattoo industry and bring together the community of tattoo artists and enthusiasts," says Alfred Guevara, president of the Philippine Tattoo Artists Guild (PhilTAG).
The convention, organized by PhilTAG and Murari Production, an independent tattoo group, featured an exhibit aimed to help young artists enhance their skills, as well as a painting exhibit of guest visual artist Henry "Bokeng" Ancanan, a UP Fine Arts alumnus whose several works were to be transformed into tattoo art by a number of artists. The highlight of the convention was the awarding of a tattoo contest dubbed "Dutdutan.’’
The event was a chance for both amateur and professional tattoo artists to show off their skills, as well as to show to the world that tattoo art is, despite the impermanent canvas of flesh, still a real form of art.
In reaction to critics who sees tattoo as a waste of money, Guevara says, "All of us have the right to do whatever we want with our bodies. But we tattoo artists see our bodies as part of our art. The flesh is a canvas as well, it’s a living canvas. And sure, tattoos are a bit of a luxury because they can cost money, everyone is entitled to his own opinion on that. But it is the same as art. People spend even more on art. The only difference would be if one refuses to see tattoos as an art form as well, if you limit art to what is on paper alone."
Because of the success of the convention, the group plans to hold similar events biannually in the near future.
