PERSONAL EXPRESSION THROUGH BODY ART

PERSONAL EXPRESSION

THROUGH BODY ART

By Olivia Hannant

Art, as a medium with few rules and regulations, presents itself as the perfect instrument for personal expression. The perspective that art itself is purely imitation had been challenged through time and subsequently in the late 19th century was replaced with the theory of expression. Instead of reflecting states of the outer world, art is held to reflect the inner state of the artist.

The definition of art itself is the expression or application of human creative skill and imagination. Art is a universal practice that spans diverse human cultures, making it a defining characteristic of our species. In contemporary societies, the visual arts blend harmoniously with music, dance, and various rituals that commemorate significant life events, death, religious beliefs, and political expressions. Additionally, language plays a vital role in artistic expression, whether it’s through the medium of poetry, song, or storytelling.

The categorisation of art into distinct eras might appear simplistic and limiting, as it fails to fully grasp the complexity and intentions of the artists. Personal expression through art is not a characteristic solely attributed to modern movements; evidence shows that even Upper Palaeolithic Europeans, over 30,000 years ago, demonstrated a conceptual equivalence in their art forms to those of more recent centuries. This suggests that human cognition, symbolising activity, and anatomy were already ‘modern’ by that time.

The origins of artistic behaviour can be traced back to early forms of body decoration, where ancient ideas, influenced by African tribes, were expressed through skin colouringAmong the earliest known patterns are zig-zag and criss-cross designs, as well as nested curves and parallel lines, which were created independently of the human body.

The capacity to create images from the imagination, known as ‘the mind’s eye,’ marked a pivotal evolutionary change in the neural structures that underpin perception. This cognitive shift likely offered survival advantages in both tool-making and hunting activities.

Notably, the analysis of early tool-making techniques indicates that the process of creating 3D objects, such as sculptures and reliefs, involves a cognitive deconstruction into a series of surfaces—a principle that might have been applied to early sculpture.The ability to create art separate from the human body likely originated in Africa, but the practice may have emerged at different times among genetically and culturally distinct groups, both within Africa and during global dispersal.

This diverse development led to the regional variety observed in ancient and more recent art forms.

Where there is no strict definition of art, we as humans mainly prioritise aesthetics. The art of permanent skin decoration has been an ancient tradition spanning thousands of years. Throughout history, humanity has adorned itself with meaningful symbols, expressions of love, religious beliefs, and protective amulets. On the other hand, tattoos have also been used as a form of punishment, leaving indelible marks on individuals.

The fascination of humans with body decoration has a historical connection to the application of colour. Modern cosmetics and tattoos have a deep-rooted history, likely originating from the use of ochre to colour the skin hundreds of millennia ago. One of the oldest instances of ochre usage dates back to approximately 164,000 years ago at a South African coastal site. Even today, body painting continues to be practised by cultures that have preserved their traditional way of life amidst the influence of Western modernity. Body decoration has served various ritualistic purposes going back thousands of years, such as using henna for skin decoration during weddings and ash for mourning.

Furthermore, tattoos and cosmetics are still prevalent in many modern societies. The application of colour for body decoration, along with the use of beads and perishable items like feathers or plant-derived materials (not necessarily recorded archaeologically), represents an ancient practice. However, this stands distinct from the development of patterns and representational art that exists independently of ourselves.

The discovery of the “Iceman” on the Italian-Austrian border in 1991, whose tattoos were dated back around 5200 years through carbon dating, is a remarkable testament to the long-standing practice of tattooing.

Numerous historical records from various ancient and traditional cultures offer compelling evidence of diverse tattooing customs. Even in modern times, several cultures continue to uphold their traditional tattooing and marking rituals, preserving the rich heritage and significance of this ancient art form.

Tattoos held significant spiritual or religious meanings in ancient societies.

For instance, in Polynesia, tattoos denoted social status and identity, whereas, in Japan, they were linked to the criminal underworld. African cultures viewed tattoos as protective talismans, while in ancient Egypt, they were believed to possess magical powers.

The rise of tattoos in Western culture can be traced back to the late 18th century when sailors embraced them as symbols of their journeys and adventures. Nautical themes like anchors, ships, and mermaids became common motifs in these seafarers’ tattoos.

Tattoos gained increasing popularity within specific subcultures like bikers, punks, and rockers. These body art forms served as rebellious statements against mainstream society, frequently showcasing aggressive or provocative designs. However, in contemporary times, tattoos have transcended subcultures and have become widely accepted in society. Today, people get tattoos as a means of self-expression, to honour significant life events or individuals, or merely as a form of personal adornment.

Art has always been about expression, no matter the metaphorical or physical canvas. Whether it be through traditional methods from classical periods through to Renaissance art and modernism, contemporary art or through our other senses. In reflection, expression can be seen throughout time within all forms and mediums of art and the visibility of an artist’s intentions shouldn’t be limited to traditional art scapes as humans propagate art and it does and will continue to enrich and surround life.