The exposure of hiding behind ink



Photography by - Ryan Doco Conners



When deciding on this post, I came to the realisation that make-up and tattoos play a big role in the revealing and concealing of the body.

According to Bill Hanks (Yahoo 2010), what was once controversial is now becoming a popular trend amongst individuals. Hanks, continues that fashion designers have not only added new colours and designs to their apparel, they have also added tattoos to their models as they walk down the runway. The exposure of tattoos can be thought of as an artistic expression. Hank believes that the human body is to be regarded as a canvas for art. Make-up of all types have long been used to bring out beauty.

'Zombie boy'

Therefore tattoos can be used to expand on this art form. According to Levi-Strauss, the social aesthetic significance off tattooing may be better understood if 'doubleing' the face and body, which are decorated as if split in two. This therefore focuses on the social and human identity portrayed by persona's that an individual embodies. 

With the word 'face' in mind, I came across the 'Lace Face' article which talks about beauty and make-up. It is not necessarily as permanent as tattooing but portrays the same connotations. Peter Philips, Chanel creative director of make-up pinned different pieces of black lace over dark navy smokey eyes at Karl Langerfelds fall contour show. According to critics, the lattice work blurs the stark effect of dark eye make-up while simultaneously showcasing it as an artistic element that is unequivocally appealing.

In my opinion the lace veiling gives a similar effect to tattooing. As Calefato says, its almost a set up between the two parts of the face or body, the actual one and the painted or incised one. It therefore is a display of art, but also at the same come a cover or mask / veil to hide behind.

'Lace Face' - Peter Philips