From September 11th until December 13th, the Joseloff Gallery will be hosting Human Marks: Tattooing in Contemporary Art, an exhibition that presents artists who take part in both contemporary practices and tattoo art. This showcase, curated by Carrie Cushman, features themes of identity, ritual, and ethics and is the 8th International Distinguished Artists Symposium and Exhibition (IDASE) at the Hartford Art School.
This exhibition contains a wide variety of pieces, including more traditional works such as watercolor and ink paintings by Ciara Havishya. Havishya’s works are inspired by Asian art history and incorporates subtle symbolism, with hidden meanings embedded in the shapes and forms she uses. More abstract and shocking pieces are also on display, such as Evan Paul English’s new work, “Collected Memory (1).” This wall piece, spanning 4 feet in length and 5 feet in height, is curated from tattoo cleaning rags stained with both ink and human blood. English uses this to represent different people coming together as one image and prompts viewers to reconsider what art can be.
The exhibition also features several interactive elements that invite viewers to engage more deeply with the artwork. As they move through the gallery, guests are encouraged to interact with specific objects such as art books or perfumery. One of the most notable installations prompts visitors to place their finger on a sensor, which then creates a visual on a screen based on their heart rate. These interactive experiences add a dynamic layer to the exhibit, making it especially distinctive.
A number of events have already taken place alongside the exhibition, such as the Human Marks Symposium and the Live Tattoo Demonstration, however, there is still more to come! The Alumni Forum: Life As a Tattoo Artist is taking place on Thursday, November 20th at 12:30 in Wilde Auditorium. Here, you will be able to join a conversation with five alumni from the Hartford Art School who have become successful in the field of tattooing.
Stop by the Joseloff Gallery to view Human Marks: Tattooing in Contemporary Art – a compelling exhibition that explores the intersections of tattoo culture and contemporary art through unique and visually striking works.
