Body art has never been more dynamic, creative, innovative, vibrant, or cutting edge than it is right now. The rising popularity of tattoos and the creative demands on tattooists has led to an industry where the practitioners’ output is more cutting edge, more detailed, more life-like, and more breathtaking than ever before. Leading tattoo artist Alisha Gory is a new breed of tattooists on a mission to elevate body art to a more prominent place in both – culture and the public’s consciousness.
“We’re creating art on live canvas, which is very special and deserves to be celebrated,” explains Gory. “Tattoos are far more acceptable today than at any other point in history and not before time. Our art and artistry have evolved considerably, and it should be recognized for what it is – an expression of the infinite on the finite. In other words, it’s the only creation of art on a live canvas that exists. That’s pretty mind-blowing, and from an artist’s viewpoint, it’s the greatest gratification there is.”
Tattoos have always held a rich significance for Gory. As a child growing up in Korea, she was fascinated by what was dismissed in her country as a shallow and forbidden Western art form. At 18, she decided to chase her dream of becoming a tattooist. She shifted to New York and devoted all her time and energy to becoming a tattooist. Today her handiwork is in high-demand, and she remains devoted to eradicating the last few remaining taboos about tattoos.
Gory explains, “Considering my background and the stigma and prejudice I’ve had to fight to pursue my passion, I’m delighted it’s becoming a universally accepted art form, particularly for women of all nationalities.”
Alisha Gory adds, “Art schools across the world are now teaching tattoos as an art form. I’ll guarantee that you won’t find any difference between the paintings on display in any top galleries in major cities such as London, New York, or Paris and the modern tattoos adorning many people’s bodies. The only difference is, one is painted on a piece of inanimate canvas that is stuck to the wall, and the other is drawn on an alive, breathing, and moving canvas that will evolve over time. You must remember that a tattoo is not simply a design created out of ink. It merges with the flesh of its wearer to create something exceptional and which is much greater than the sum of its parts. To me, that is not just a special kind of art. It’s a special kind of magic!”