“Our Bodies, Our Voices, Our Marks” Exhibition (Melbourne, Australia)

 

“Our Bodies, Our Voices, Our Marks” Exhibition

Our Bodies, Our Voices, Our Marks, a temporary exhibition opened just last May 24, 2019 at the Immigration Museum in Melbourne, was supposed to run only until October 6 but it was still ongoing during our November visit. It features a suite of exhibitions and experiences that explores the art of tattoo, alongside themes of identity, self-expression, culture and community.  

Check out "Immigration Museum"

 

The artists.....

It includes two main photography exhibits (Immigration Granulation and Perseverance: Japanese Tattoo Tradition in a Modern World) that look at the intersection between ancient and modern tattoo practices and a series of contemporary installations curated by Ukrainian-Australian artist and tattooist Stanislava Pinchuk (also known as Miso). 

 

Immigration Granulation

Immigration Granulation, in the Community Gallery, presents a series of immigration journeys tattooed onto the bodies of those who made the journeys. The inked lines are complemented with beautiful gold jewelry handcrafted by Zaiba Khan using gold granulation from staple foods that the wearer would have eaten on their journey. 

 

Perseverance: Japanese Tattoo Tradition in a Modern World

Perseverance: Japanese Tattoo Tradition in a Modern World, designed by exhibition artist Kip Fulbeck (photographer and professor of art at the University of California, Santa Barbara), was organized by the Japanese American National Museum in Los Angeles (California) and are toured internationally by Flying Fish Exhibits.

 

The tools of the tattooist ......

It explores the artistry, extensive history and rich tradition of Japanese tattoos and their influence on modern tattoo culture in Japan. Fulbeck himself is extensively tattooed in the Japanese style. Facing negative criminal stigma thanks to its association with the Yakuza, the country's notorious mafia syndicate, this exhibition investigates how tattoo practice has persevered and looks to share its artistry, symbolism and the skill of its practitioners with wider communities. 

 

The human body is their canvas......

Held in tandem with this exhibition is Tatau: Marks of Polynesia, an exhibition exploring a traditional Samoan art form.  It showcases the works of both traditional tatau masters and emerging artists that are still practicing this 2,000-year-old art form.

 

Photo gallery of tattoo art.....

“Our Bodies, Our Voices, Our Marks” Exhibition: Immigration Museum, 400-424 Flinders Street, Melbourne, Victoria 3000.  Tel: 1311 02.  E-mail: mvbookings@museum.vic.gov.au. Website: www.museumsvictoria.com.au/immigrationmuseum/. Open daily, 10 AM – 5 PM (closed Christmas Day and Good Friday). Admission: adults ($15), children (free).  Entry to the Tribute Garden is free.