The thesis is about the art, aesthetics and ethics of tattooing, for answering these questions: How do tattoo artists and their clients engage with and shape tattoo art and its aesthetic? And how do these tattoo artists’ ethics influence their relationships with their clients and art? These questions are answered at Flax Roots Tattoo Studio, a tattoo business in Hamilton, Waikato, New Zealand. This studio offers clients different styles of tattooing to choose from, like Moko, Traditional European, Portrait, and Traditional American.
Tattoo artists and their clients differ in ethnicity, nationality, religion, sex, occupation, age, hobbies, and so on. Anthropological research and philosophical insight provided the framework texts for my case study. The fieldwork consisted of semi-structured interviews and photographs of artists and clients. By participating in tattooing, these individuals influence the art and the aesthetic tastes of their local culture. Additionally, tattoo artists follow an ethical code that dictates how to run their business, preserve their art, and protect their clients.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Chapter 1: Preliminaries
- Art and the Aesthetic: Theory and Praxis
- Art: Apart from Society?
- The Aesthetic: Apart from Society?
- Modern Moko’s Historic Roots
- The Culture of Moko in Contemporary New Zealand
- Tattooing Culture: Research in the USA and Great Britain
- Ethics of Tattoo Artists
- Summary of Preliminaries
- Chapter 2: Methodology
- My Role as Researcher
- Data Analysis: Importance of Grounded Theory
- Qualitative Approaches in My Case Study
- Limitations
- Chapter 3: Interviews, Photographs, and Observations
- The Tattoo Scene in Hamilton
- Artists at the Tattoo Studio
- Marc Wymer: Owner and Tattooist at Flax Roots Tattoo Studio
- Francis: Skulls
- Vaughan (and Marc): Kowhai Ridge
- Brandon Martin: Tattoo Artist and Apprentice
- Rhian: First Time Tattooed
- Ali: Artist who Tattoos
- Tracey: Attention to Detail
- Justin: Tattoos for Loved Ones
- Robert: First Among Equals
- Makkala: Being a Tattooist is a Luxury
- Kylee and Darryn: A Couple in Love with Tattooing
- Lisa: The Crafty Tattoo
- Marc: Tattoos Tell My Story
- Chapter 4: Discussion
- Individual Taste: Personal Aesthetic and Art Influenced By Culture
- The Culture of Tattooing and An Individual’s Role in Tattoo Art
- Ethical Practice at Flax Roots Tattoo Studio
Objectives and Key Themes
The main objective of this thesis is to explore the aesthetic attitudes of artists and clients at Flax Roots Tattoo Studio in Hamilton, New Zealand, and how those attitudes shape the art of tattooing. The thesis also investigates the ethical considerations influencing the relationships between tattoo artists and their clients.
- The interplay between tattoo art, aesthetics, and cultural influences.
- The role of ethics and etiquette in the tattoo industry.
- The diverse styles of tattooing practiced at Flax Roots Tattoo Studio.
- The evolving perception of tattooing within New Zealand society.
- Comparison of tattooing cultures across different regions (USA, Great Britain, New Zealand).
Chapter Summaries
Chapter 1: Preliminaries: This chapter lays the groundwork for the thesis by exploring theoretical perspectives on art and aesthetics, drawing upon the works of Alfred Gell, Stephen Davies, and Immanuel Kant. It examines the historical and contemporary context of Maori tattooing (Moko), and contrasts it with tattooing practices in the USA and Great Britain. It also introduces the ethical considerations surrounding tattooing, particularly as they relate to the professional practice of tattoo artists.
Chapter 2: Methodology: This chapter details the research methodology employed in the study, including the researcher's role, the use of grounded theory, semi-structured interviews, photography, and participant verification. It also addresses potential limitations of the case study approach.
Chapter 3: Interviews, Photographs, and Observations: This chapter presents a detailed case study of Flax Roots Tattoo Studio, including interviews and photographs of artists and clients. The chapter is organized by artist, presenting each artist's perspective and the perspectives of their clients.
Keywords
aesthetic, agency, anthropology, art, culture, ethics, ethnography, Gell, Hamilton, Moko, Maori, Iban, Kelabit, tattoo, tattooing, tattoo studio, New Zealand.
Frequently Asked Questions: A Comprehensive Language Preview
What is the main topic of this thesis?
This thesis explores the aesthetic attitudes of artists and clients at Flax Roots Tattoo Studio in Hamilton, New Zealand, and how those attitudes shape the art of tattooing. It also investigates the ethical considerations influencing the relationships between tattoo artists and their clients.
What are the key themes explored in this research?
Key themes include the interplay between tattoo art, aesthetics, and cultural influences; the role of ethics and etiquette in the tattoo industry; the diverse styles of tattooing practiced at Flax Roots Tattoo Studio; the evolving perception of tattooing within New Zealand society; and a comparison of tattooing cultures across different regions (USA, Great Britain, New Zealand).
What is the structure of the thesis?
The thesis is structured into four chapters. Chapter 1 (Preliminaries) provides theoretical background on art and aesthetics, explores the history of Maori tattooing (Moko), and discusses ethical considerations. Chapter 2 (Methodology) details the research methods used, including interviews, photography, and grounded theory. Chapter 3 (Interviews, Photographs, and Observations) presents a detailed case study of Flax Roots Tattoo Studio, featuring interviews with artists and clients. Chapter 4 (Discussion) analyzes the findings and draws conclusions.
What methodology was used in this research?
The research employed a qualitative approach, utilizing semi-structured interviews, photography, and participant observation. Grounded theory was used for data analysis. The researcher's role and potential limitations of the case study approach are also discussed.
Which theoretical perspectives are discussed in the thesis?
The thesis draws upon theoretical perspectives from Alfred Gell, Stephen Davies, and Immanuel Kant on art and aesthetics. It also examines the historical and contemporary context of Maori tattooing (Moko).
What specific aspects of the tattooing culture are investigated?
The research investigates the aesthetic preferences of both artists and clients, ethical practices within the studio, the diverse styles of tattooing, and the cultural influences shaping the art form. It also includes a comparative analysis of tattooing cultures in New Zealand, the USA, and Great Britain.
Who were the participants in the study?
The study includes interviews and observations at the Flax Roots Tattoo Studio in Hamilton, New Zealand. Participants include the studio owner and tattooists, as well as clients receiving tattoos, representing a range of experiences and perspectives.
What are the key findings of the thesis (in brief)?
The thesis explores how individual aesthetic preferences intersect with cultural influences to shape tattoo art and how ethical considerations impact the artist-client relationship within the specific context of Flax Roots Tattoo Studio. The specific findings are detailed within the individual chapters, especially Chapter 4 (Discussion).
What are the keywords associated with this research?
Keywords include: aesthetic, agency, anthropology, art, culture, ethics, ethnography, Gell, Hamilton, Moko, Maori, Iban, Kelabit, tattoo, tattooing, tattoo studio, New Zealand.
- Arbeit zitieren
- Mandy Shaver (Autor:in), 2018, Art, aesthetics and ethics of tattooing, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/503685
