Possessed of ancient roots, tattoos have in recent years gone from being taboo to part of the social fabric. The next step? Their acceptance as art works that can even outlive their owners, writes Thomas Hobbs.
"When I started out tattoos were seen as something for the outcasts and rebels," says Dr Woo (real name Brian Woo), a prominent LA-based tattoo artist with 1.8 million Instagram followers and a high-profile clientele that includes Justin Bieber, Miley Cyrus and Drake. "I come from a very traditional immigrant Asian family, so my parents weren't too buzzed when their son chose this career path."
More like this:
– The greatest conspiracy in ancient art
– The new generation redefining gender
– What our private scribbles can reveal
Yet 41-year-old Woo, whose prices begin at $2,500 (£2,066), insists body ink no longer carries the same negative connotations. "I get lawyers, doctors, politicians, kids celebrating their 18th birthdays, grandparents… it's all walks of life coming into my studio," he explains. "There was a time not too long ago where I was the only one in the room with a tattoo, but in 2022 you're looked at funny if you don't have one. Now my parents are okay with this job."