The “People” tattoo style is not a well-known, distinct category like traditional, tribal, or watercolor tattoos, but it can refer to a tattoo genre that focuses on the depiction of human figures, faces, or stylized representations of people in different contexts and artistic styles. Tattoos that emphasize people can be seen across a range of tattoo styles, such as realism, portraiture, minimalism, and illustrative art. The “People” style, then, can be understood as an overarching approach within tattoo artistry that centers on the human form and expression.
Historical Background of Human Figure Tattoos
The tradition of depicting the human body in tattoos dates back thousands of years. The practice of tattooing people or representing the human figure in body art has existed in various cultures worldwide, with the earliest examples dating back to ancient Egypt and Polynesia. These tattoos often had symbolic or ritualistic meanings, with human forms sometimes representing deities, ancestors, or social status.
1. Ancient Civilizations:
- Ancient Egypt: Tattoos were found on mummies from around 2000 BCE, particularly on women, and they often symbolized fertility, protection, or power. While the tattoos weren’t exclusively focused on people, human-like figures often appeared in the symbolic art.
- Polynesia and the Pacific Islands: Polynesian tattooing is one of the oldest and most recognized styles of tattoo art. While the focus was often on patterns and motifs, many tattoos included representations of human figures, deities, or ancestors.
- Japan: The art of Japanese tattooing, particularly in the Irezumi style, often features large, elaborate scenes, including human figures such as warriors, mythological beings, or even demons. The human form was essential to the storytelling aspect of these tattoos.
2. Indigenous and Tribal Tattoos:
Across the world, from Africa to the Americas, indigenous cultures have used tattoos to mark rites of passage, commemorate important events, and depict personal or cultural narratives. Many of these tattoos included the human form, either abstracted or detailed, to convey important meanings or spiritual beliefs.
3. Western Culture and the Renaissance:
In the Western world, the depiction of people in tattoos didn’t become prominent until the late 19th and early 20th centuries. As tattooing gained popularity in Europe and America, especially among sailors and working-class men, tattoos depicting women, sailors, or figures from myth and history began to emerge.
- Renaissance Influence: In the 15th and 16th centuries, the renaissance focus on human anatomy and the natural world led to an increasing interest in accurate depictions of the human figure. This understanding of anatomy would influence Western tattooing practices, particularly in the creation of detailed portrait tattoos, which became more popular in the 20th century.
Development of the “People” Tattoo Style
1. Portrait Tattoos:
As tattooing became more sophisticated and artistic in the 20th century, the development of portrait tattoos marked a significant milestone in the “People” style. Portrait tattoos allow for highly detailed representations of people, whether they are loved ones, celebrities, or historical figures.
Artists began using shading, line work, and realism techniques to create lifelike depictions of people’s faces and bodies. Modern technology, such as better needles and inks, made it possible to achieve the fine detail needed for portraits.
The “People” tattoo style in this sense became synonymous with realism, as tattoo artists strived to capture every nuance of human features, expressions, and emotions. Famous tattoo artists, such as Norman “Sailor Jerry” Collins and Don Ed Hardy, contributed to elevating the genre, albeit through more stylized and illustrative representations of the human form, often influenced by their travels and experiences.
2. Surreal and Abstract Human Figures:
In addition to realism, the “People” tattoo genre has also evolved into more abstract and surreal representations. Influenced by modern art movements like surrealism, many tattoo artists now create abstract or symbolic representations of people. These tattoos might include distorted or fragmented human figures, often using geometric patterns, dreamlike imagery, and vivid colors.
Artists like Kat Von D, who rose to prominence in the tattoo industry in the 2000s, have brought a contemporary spin to this form, blending detailed realism with surreal or emotional expressions of the human condition. Such tattoos may not be “realistic” in the strictest sense but still convey a profound connection to human experience.
3. Neo-Traditional and Illustrative Styles:
With the resurgence of neo-traditional tattooing in the 2000s, the “People” tattoo style also began to evolve. Artists within this movement reimagined the human form with bold lines, vibrant colors, and a more graphic, stylized approach compared to earlier realism. While still based on the human figure, neo-traditional tattoos often include ornate patterns or elements of nature, creating a more embellished and artistic interpretation of people.
The Cultural Significance of “People” Tattoos
Tattoos that feature people or the human figure are deeply personal and can convey a wide array of meanings. These tattoos might represent an individual’s connection to their culture, ancestry, or a loved one. For example:
- Portrait Tattoos: These tattoos often memorialize a loved one or celebrate a personal relationship, serving as a tribute to those who have passed or as a permanent reminder of someone important in the wearer’s life.
- Spiritual and Religious Figures: Many tattoos feature depictions of religious or mythological figures, representing beliefs, spirituality, or a desire for protection. These can include gods, saints, ancestors, and mythological beings.
- Social and Political Statements: Human figures in tattoos can also represent political or social movements. Tattoos of protest leaders, historical figures, or cultural icons can serve as expressions of solidarity or as reminders of important struggles and achievements.
Modern Day and Future of the “People” Tattoo Style
Today, the “People” tattoo genre continues to evolve, with artists exploring new techniques and technologies to enhance their work. The rise of tattoo realism, especially through social media and online tattoo communities, has made intricate depictions of human figures more accessible and popular.
Moreover, the growing acceptance of tattoos in mainstream culture means that more people are exploring tattoo art as a form of self-expression, and human figures remain a central motif. From traditional portraiture to surreal, abstract depictions of people, this tattoo style will continue to evolve as technology advances and as tattoo artists push the boundaries of what’s possible with ink on skin.
Conclusion
The “People” tattoo style, while not a formal category, encapsulates a wide range of tattoo art that explores the human form, from realistic portraits to abstract interpretations. It is a dynamic genre that allows tattoo artists to showcase their technical skill while also providing individuals with deeply personal ways of expressing their identity, relationships, and beliefs through the human figure.