"Pointed Permanence: The Art of Tattoo"

For over 5,000 years, tattooing has been a vibrant art form in multiple cultures all over the globe. In our modern world, tattooing came to us from Pacific Island traditions and was carried over to Europe in the 1700s by Captain Cook. But tattoos have been found on some of our earliest ancestors as well. Today, the art of tattooing has a variety of techniques, tools, meanings and purposes to a plethora of peoples. In the United States, Southern California is an epicenter of tattoo art, and supports the through its embrace of lowbrow culture and artistic expression.

The exhibition “Pointed Permanence: The Fine Art of Tattoo” is a visual exploration through this artistic phenomenon that blends the human experience and a unique and personalized artistic expression into fine art form that has been overlooked and under-appreciated for centuries. In contemporary society, tattoo art acceptance is growing, as tattoos are a popular and impressive art form, yet many generations and cultures do not see the value or significance in this amazing art.

In this exhibition, we aim to shed light on the complex and talented artists leaving their mark on the world and on their clients through their art. Through paintings, drawings, designs, and tattoos, we are able to see the genius, creativity, dedication and skill that is involved in this fascinating and beautiful art form.

Exhibiting Artists:

Elisa Ang

Shay Bredimus

Tea Cake

Nakota Garza

Joy Shannon

Dmitry Troshin

Alvin Chong

Laura Wangerin

Tim Shelton

Shige via Kip Fulbeck

Suzanne Shifflett

Danny Dunbar

Nathan Kostechko

Andres Saucedo

Ivana

Jake Masri

"Pointed Permanence" will be open September 6 - October 27, with an opening reception on Thursday, September 13, 2018, 5-8PM.