BY ABBY PASIONThis painting represents that past meeting the present. Prior to Spanish colonization, the Philippines had a rich and thriving tattoo culture. Much like the rest of Pacifika, these tattoos told a story that was unique to every individual who had them. But because of colonization and evangelization this sacred art was deemed as “savagery” and a “disgrace to the body.” This art is dying out in the Philippines, with only a few individuals left in the country who practice the traditional, natural process of kalinga tattooing. But many Filipino artists are working to bring this tattoo culture back as a way of reclaiming their lost roots and giving other Filipino/a/xs (like myself) the same opportunity as well.
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