Two years ago, during a visit to the Japanese American National Museum in Los Angeles, I had my first encounter with “Perseverance: Japanese Tattoo Tradition in a Modern World.” This captivating exhibition, skillfully curated by tattoo artist Takahiro Kitamura (Ryūdaibori, formerly Horitaka) and visually designed by photographer/filmmaker Kip Fulbeck, presented over 100 striking photographs showcasing the breadth of Japanese-style tattoos. The range was impressive, from intricate single sleeves to awe-inspiring full-body suits, immediately sparking my desire to bring this exhibition to the Middlebury College Museum of Art in Vermont.
Exhibition view showcasing a full bodysuit Japanese tattoo photograph
This exhibition of Japanese tattoo art presented a unique opportunity to engage with a diverse audience in Vermont, including individuals who might not typically visit our museum. Statistics from The Harris Poll indicate that nearly a third of adults in the United States have tattoos, a figure I suspected might be even higher in Vermont’s population. Beyond those with tattoos, there’s a broader curiosity and appreciation for the aesthetic beauty found in the motifs adorning the subjects of Fulbeck’s photographs – the vibrant flowers, powerful fish, revered deities, and formidable warriors central to Japanese tattoo artistry. However, given Vermont’s relatively small population, effectively promoting the exhibition and drawing significant attention required a special event to capture the public’s imagination.
My brother-in-law, Christopher Holt, and his tattoo artist from San Francisco, NaKona MacDonald, generously offered to conduct a live tattooing demonstration. It’s important to note that traditional Japanese tattoo, known as irezumi, is typically executed manually using needles attached to hand tools. However, for this demonstration, NaKona utilized the tattoo machine, an invention dating back to 1891 by tattoo artist Samuel O’Reilly, representing a modern adaptation of the craft.
The primary hurdle we faced was navigating Vermont’s stringent regulatory framework for tattooing. To secure a temporary license – remarkably, the first of its kind ever issued by the state – we had to transform the café within the Mahaney Center for the Arts, home to the museum, into a functioning tattoo studio. This undertaking involved the collaborative efforts of over forty individuals. This included the state inspector who guided us through the licensing process, a local masseuse who provided a massage table, the facilities team who carefully removed the café’s cappuccino machine, college legal counsel who granted the necessary approvals, and the student health center staff who supplied hospital-grade disinfectant and needle disposal containers. My own contribution included drafting consent forms and procuring essential supplies like gauze, razors, and gloves.
Close-up shot of tattoo needles and ink during a Japanese tattoo session
On July 9th, with all licenses secured, NaKona commenced working on the next stage of Chris’s impressive dragon back piece. The Burlington-based newspaper, Seven Days, featured the event as their top weekend pick in Vermont, resulting in an impressive turnout of over 300 visitors to the demonstration and exhibition. This was a significant increase compared to the average summer Saturday attendance of around forty visitors. Museum attendees of all ages, from young children to senior citizens, were drawn to both the exhibition and the makeshift tattoo studio. They engaged with NaKona, asking questions about the process and offering encouragement to Chris, demonstrating a genuine interest in the art of Japanese tattoo.
Detailed close-up of a Japanese tattoo in progress, showcasing linework and shading techniques
Perhaps the most profound impact of the demonstration and exhibition was the palpable shift in visitor attitudes. Initially displaying curiosity mixed with apprehension, attendees visibly transitioned to a state of comfort and inquisitiveness. Despite its rich history, tattooing, particularly Japanese tattoo, still carries a stigma in Japan and, to a lesser extent, in the United States. However, exhibitions like “Perseverance” play a crucial role in challenging these outdated negative perceptions. They open up conversations and pave the way for the appreciation of tattoos as a legitimate and evolving form of artistic expression, deeply rooted in cultural tradition yet vibrantly alive in the modern world.
