Tattoo: The Evolving Art

CEBU, Philippines - What was once looked down on, tattoo and the public's perception of it have dramatically evolved in the past decades. It is now an increasingly accepted graphic art form.

From the Tahitian word "tatu" meaning "to mark something," tattoos have bridged the interstices of society - from the aristocrats to the commoners, from the elite to the proletarians. 

Historical studies reveal that the art of tattooing has been around even before Christ. The purpose of the art varies from one culture to another. In Borneo, for example, the tattoos of women differ, depending on the skill they can contribute to their community.

In pre-Spanish Philippines, tattoos were used to identify social ranks. Eskimo women had tattoos on their faces; it was thought to boost feminine beauty. In Japan, tattooing was practiced for spiritual reasons.

Starting in the 1970s, however, tattoos began to have a negative connotation as the art became a common mark among criminals. This sad development was widespread, true among Filipinos and among other nations of the world. The Chinese considered tattooing a fiendish act and associated it to convicts and slaves. In some Western cultures, it was taken as the mark of people from the circus.

Fortunately, at the turn of time, tattoo art has slowly regained the good regard of the public. People have once again come to appreciate the aesthetic value of the longstanding practice. 

In Cebu City, for example, the public acceptance has prompted the emergence of quite number of tattoo shops and tattoo artists all over.

One example is 032 Tattoo, started in 2011 in a restobar in Mandaue City owned by tattoo artist Chow Abinales, who now operates the shop with two other artists, Jayland Remoriras and Alex Cabrijas. The business has since flourished, the partners claim. The shop's name takes after the local phone-area code of Cebu - 032.

The shop later moved to a restobar in Cebu City. "We wanted to have a concept and be known as the first tattoo shop in Cebu located inside a bar," Abinales said. "Later, the three of us decided to detach ourselves of that concept and made our new shop along J. Llorente [street in Cebu City]." He also expressed their excitement over the growing acceptance of tattooing in Cebu, as well as in other countries.

Apart from attending to clients in the city, they also go on trips just to hold tattooing sessions. And they plan to expand the business, although not very soon. "We feel that we have to establish this branch. We are concentrating on expanding our network, even internationally. We recently travelled to Manila, Boracay and Singapore for tattoo sessions and hopefully this December in Australia," Abinales revealed. 

In terms of competition, there's much of it in Cebu City, partners Abinales, Remoriras and Cabrijas acknowledge. There is no shortage of good artists around. But, in their experience, the growing number of customers is enough to sustain the business.  

But the artists emphasized the importance of choosing the right tattoo shop. The kind and hygiene of tools and the quality of ink are important considerations, since these get into the skin.

At present, majority of tattoo artists use high-end machines, like a needle gun, with the necessary sterilization materials.

Tattooing has indeed gone a long way from the early method of pricking the skin with sticks and sharp objects and rubbing ash into the wound. The use of modern gadgets, the three artists observes, has apparently gotten more people interested and at ease in getting a tattoo.

In 2011, an ordinance was passed by the Provincial Board of Cebu requiring tattoo and piercing shops, as well as barber shops and beauty salons, to utilize disposable and unused or properly sterilized instruments on every customer for shaving, nail clipping, cuticle removal, tattooing, body piercing and other similar services.

The ordinance sits well with the 032 Tattoo artists, who understand that since the skin is sensitive, they have to ensure cleanliness and sanitation for their clients. Regarding the choice of design, Abinales advises clients to carefully decide what design to get, because "it's going to be with you for the rest of your life." He concludes, "Choose a design that can identify yourself." (FREEMAN)