JOHANNESBURG. – At last count, pop sensation Rihanna was sporting 19 tattoos – from Arabic writing and animal motifs to ancient African queens and motivational passages.
Her love for body art is well documented and the cascade of stars pattern on many a young woman’s anatomy can be attributed to her.
“I am so intrigued by tattoos. It’s an entire culture, and I study it,” she’s been quoted as saying.

Last weekend, Jozi skin art appreciators congregated at the Coca-Cola Dome in Northgate for the annual Tattoo Expo, where exhibitors show off new trends in the inking industry.

Barbed wire à la Pamela Anderson and tribal print tattoos so favoured by musclemen might still make an appearance, but in the popularity stakes they have been overtaken by self-actualisation quotes and tribute art.

According to Marisa Noordergraaf of Tattoolya in Weltevreden Park, Johannesburg, inspirational quotes, Polynesian writing and religious Catholic black and grey work are proving popular.

Chinese writing, stars and dragons have also had their turn, but the fad now has been softer.
“Throughout the year, feathers, birds and silhouettes have also become a trend. Sport stars’ tattoos have also been emulated a lot,” says Noordergraaf.

Theunis Coetzee of Awhe tattoo parlour in Boksburg specialises in “realism tattoos”, where photographs or portraits are replicated.
“It’s like a photocopy on your skin and it’s very popular. Sailor tattoos and the old-school tradition of black lines are also in,” he says.
This kind of self-expression dates from the time of the Egyptian Pharaohs. Skin is the body’s natural layer of clothing and just as with fashion, people accessorise it with art and the latest trends.

It has become the canvas on which people express their individuality.
When it comes to the art of piercing, Conrad Feldman of Concreate Body Art believes fashion and trends go straight out the window.
“Piercings are a personal thing and hardly dictated by trends. People are attracted by the look of it; it’s more about what it can do for you.”
He says he’s seen his work boosting the confidence of clients, young and old.

At last weekend’s Tattoo Expo, a world record was set with a human chandelier – 13 people were suspended in the air on hooks. Though many will cringe at the thought of the pain involved, most of the participants seemed tranquil.

“It’s a mental thing. We know our bodies can handle pain, but our minds get in the way. Suspension is about teaching yourself more about how strong you are.

“It’s a spiritual ritual without the religion.” – Sunday World.

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