Explore how body art changes world views. From historical images of tattoos to modern piercings and tribal modifications, the way individuals express themselves by decorating their bodies creates a personal narrative. Your Body, Your Canvas offers a perspective on how these ways of expression have evolved over time from underground, to alternative and mainstream. On display will be items from Milner Library's Circus and Allied Arts Collection, the Chicago Leather Archives & Museum, Vintage Karma Tattoos, North Street Tattoos and most importantly, images of body art within our ISU community. Share your body art and the stories behind it with us via social media using the #YourBodyYourCanvasISU hashtag.
Join us for these events!
Tattooing: Myth and Reality
September 15th at 5PM | Floor 6 NW
Hear from Ainslie Heilich and Brian Lynch of Vintage Karma Tattoos in Tuscola, IL on their work as tattoo artists. While tattoos have become mainstream in recent years there are still a multitude of misperceptions about the tattoo industry, the tattooing process and tattoos themselves. In this talk, Ainslie Heilich and Brian Lynch will explain the reality behind some of this myths and describe how to go into getting a tattoo in a safe and educated way.
Kink and Fetish: a facilitated discussion with ISU Pride
September 16th at 7PM | Room 164D
Join ISU Pride for a facilitated discussion on kink, fetish and other topics. We will discuss the history of kink & fetish and how they connect to the world of body art, as well as hearing from members of the fetish community on how to explore kink & fetish in a safe, consensual and respectful way. Adult subject matter will be discussed; this talk is not recommended for those under the age of 18.
HORIMONO: A Retrospective of Japanese Tattoo from the Past to the Present
October 13th at 6PM | Floor 6 NW
Steve McClintock, ISU Art Education grad, of North Street Tattoos in Normal, IL, will present on the history of tattoos in Japanese society and culture. Japanese style tattoos are one of the oldest established tattoo styles. McClintock will discuss the mythology and artistic styles that define Japanese style tattoos, as well as how the style has evolved over the years.