On Skins and Needles

Summary

Tattoos are a controversial form of art that are compared to wall art and accessories, with the author expressing concerns about the permanence and potential regrets of tattoos.

Abstract

The article discusses the author's opinion on tattoos as a form of art, comparing them to wall art and accessories. The author expresses concern about the permanence of tattoos, stating that they can be a hassle to remove and that people may eventually tire of them. They also suggest that temporary forms of self-expression such as clothing and accessories may be a better alternative to tattoos. The article ends with a recommendation to try out an AI service.

Opinions

Tattoos are compared to wall art and are seen as a form of self-expression.
The author expresses concern about the permanence of tattoos and suggests that people may eventually tire of them.
The author suggests that temporary forms of self-expression such as clothing and accessories may be a better alternative to tattoos.
The author recommends trying out an AI service.

Alas, no taboos in the land of tattoos

Tattoos — like all rendered images — span the poles: insipid to sublime. Down south you’ll find the “high-fliers” — psychedelic butterflies and magic mushrooms (insert nod to my daughter). Heading due north, you’ll be blown breathless by magnificent vistas — land, sea, and sky-scapes rife with wondrous creatures: realistic and fantastic.

Wannabe Wall-Art? Should be Wall-Art! Consider the silly stuff: oozing over-the-top “pop” in both senses of the word — such flamboyant fluff is suited for electric-rainbowed toker-posters (insert nod to my daughter).

As for those serious-talent-required, meticulously-detailed, panoramic masterpieces: such are suitable for — indeed, they demand — framed front-and-center showcasing.

What compels a person to sacrifice his skin to the cause of Art-As-Statement when he can — to much better effect — advertise his sentiments writ large on his living-room wall?

Skin-space is at a premium; moreover, once your “permanent guest” takes up residence, it can be a hassle — an expensive one — to evict the sucker. Sooner more likely than later, you’ll get sick of sharing your shower with the pesky devil — or dragon, or lion, or monkey — on your back.

Worse than merely tiring of some “same-old” critter, would be to incur active torment at the sight of it — such as to suffer being stalked by the indelible face-or-namesake of the erstwhile love-of-your-life peeking over your shoulder.

Save Your Skin!

Want to decorate? How about such standards as were once-upon-a-time called “accessories” — jewelry, hats, and scarves. Or temporary tattoos in the form of clothing— which, last I checked, remains widely available in a variety of colorful, patterned fabrics.

Want to Make A Statement? Do it the old-fashioned way: Vulgar T-Shirts. A sure bet from the seventies — why not bring ’em back? Nasties imprinted on your back won’t, save for a beach day, incur offense — but the Big-Bad-Tee that covers them sure will! Dare to be crude: Shove Your Point Right In Their Face.

With a bit of luck, you’ll get your butt kicked out of school to boot.