Skin Deep

A photo student explores body modification.

Written and Photographed by Marleah Flajnik

Approaching my eighteenth birthday, I anxiously asked my parents if I could get a tattoo. I remember worrying about what they would think: Would they care how big it was? Would it matter what it depicted? Or would they throw the whole idea of it out and tell me I could never get one under their roof—no ifs, ands, or buts? Thankfully, they didn’t mind the idea of tattoos, and soon after, I began expressing myself through body modifications. More and more, body modification is becoming a way for people to express themselves. Through piercings, tattoos, body hair, hair color, and so much more, people do it to better outwardly express and feel like the truest version of themselves as they do on the inside.

As someone with numerous tattoos and a few piercings, I began this project to allow “modified” individuals, like myself, to be normalized and accepted. I also wanted this series to aid in setting a new standard and celebrate these modifications as a form of each individual’s self-expression of their identity, rather than condemning them for it.

There are many reasons why people physically alter their bodies. They might want to preserve a work of art on their body forever or attach a memory to themselves. Perhaps they just want a fun and reckless decision to look back on and laugh at, or simply explore who they are. Whatever the reason, it all comes down to them wanting to feel confident in their skin and expressing who they are however they choose.

Attending art school, it’s more than a little difficult to find someone who doesn’t express themselves in some way or another. Being here, and becoming a result of my surroundings, has helped me truly appreciate the beauty of every individual for simply expressing themselves in their own way. I know a few people whose norm is to have outrageous hair colors—which they change every few months. The thought of them not doing so seems unnatural to me. I also have friends who, since the first day I met them, have had dozens of piercings. When they show me old pictures from before they got their piercings, it feels almost as if I no longer recognize them with something so distinguishable absent. Others I know have built quite the tattoo collection since we became friends, and I can see how much happier and confident they are because of it.

Everything I’ve mentioned is more than just a body modification, it’s a way for people to represent—and embody—their inner self.

It’s almost unfathomable to imagine the people I know without these modifications as it’s so tied to their identity. The thought of them facing challenges throughout their personal or work lives in order to conform to more conservative ideals can be quite upsetting. Despite modified individuals being accepted and celebrated amongst so many of their unmodified counterparts, there continues to be lingering disdain from older generations, more conservative people, and certain employers.

Nearly anyone who’s gotten a piercing, tattoo, or dyed their hair (in a conventional or unconventional color) has had at least one person remark:

“Good luck getting a job!”

“You know you’ll have to take that out in the future, right?”

“Is that your last one?”

“You’re gonna have those in your wedding pictures!”

These comments can be quite challenging to deal with and often hurt—especially if they target a modification you’re proud of, one close to your identity. It creates a wholly unnecessary form of conflict.

Just like all major decisions, one must weigh the pros and cons. I cannot speak for anyone except myself, but as I acquired more tattoos and piercings, I’ve always considered the possible consequences. For example, my piercings are pretty mundane. But if necessary I’m comfortable with taking them out. And when it comes to tattoos, I’m very careful about the placement and subject matter. I contemplate the permanence of my decision.

By choosing to modify our bodies, other modified individuals and I know it may reduce the chance of employment in some fields. It could mean not getting hired or having to wear certain clothing to cover them up. It could also introduce judgment personally or publicly. Some lifestyles and career paths have room for tolerance and others don’t. Regardless, one should be aware of the possible, if unjust, repercussions of modifying their body. It is simply a price we must pay for wanting to express ourselves authentically—which is something I hope to bring more awareness to.

Through my and my peers’ experiences with expressing our identities through body modifications, my goal was to portray these physical adornments with accuracy to the individual. These are fun, sometimes little things that make us feel more like ourselves and we should be allowed to have them without judgment. In hopes of strictly showing the modification, I removed each participant’s face. As a result, it allows the viewer to interpret the images in a more straightforward yet abstracted sense so no judgments or negative associations can be levied at the person. By adding vibrant colors and a playful take on a taboo topic, it allows the viewer to experience such a controversial topic from a more lighthearted perspective than they normally would.

Progress and change are still needed from society at large for the normalization of body modifications to continue, but day after day it’s becoming more abundant. And I know efforts to bring awareness won’t be needed for much longer—so I hope.