These days, it almost feels rebellious not to have a tattoo. But that wasn’t always the case, nor is body art a purely modern phenomenon. New books of tattoo art highlight centuries-old traditions, underground and outlaw subcultures, and the various inspirations and meanings behind how people choose to adorn themselves.

Russian Criminal Tattoo Police Files, Vol. 1

Arkady Bronnikov. Fuel, out now

Bronnikov spent more than 20 years as a senior expert in criminalistics at the U.S.S.R. Ministry of Internal Affairs, where he amassed a comprehensive archive of photographs of inmates’ tattoos, as well as an understanding of their symbolism. This collection of more than 180 photographs is the latest on the subject from British publisher Fuel; according to Nielsen BookScan, Russian Criminal Tattoo Encyclopaedia, Vol. I (2009) has sold more than 12,000 print copies.



more

Vintage Tattoo Flash

Jonathan Shaw. PowerHouse, May

Tattoo artist Shaw, son of big band leader Artie Shaw, did much of his work in New York City during the decades that the practice was officially banned (1961–1997). Here, he showcases his collection of flash—hand-painted sheets from which tattoo shop customers could choose designs—spanning from the turn-of-the-century Bowery through 1970s Los Angeles.



more

Japanese Tattoos

Brian Ashcraft and Hori Benny Tuttle, June

Irezumi tattoo art, a traditional, refined style dating to the 17th century, is the subject of some 350 color photographs, as well as interviews with leading Japanese practitioners and their clients, and text explaining the meanings behind the imagery.



more

The Inborn Absolute

Robert Ryan. Featherproof, Aug.

An artist and musician living in Asbury Park, N.J., Ryan has been tattooing for more than 20 years. Trained in the American tradition, his art incorporates iconography he encountered on pilgrimages to India, Nepal, and Peru.



more

Smile Now, Cry Later

Freddy Negrete and Steve Jones. Seven Stories, Aug.

Negrete, who spent much of his youth in the juvenile detention system in L.A., is known for his black and gray fine-line work, which has earned the attention of gangbangers and Hollywood starlets alike. In a narrative accompanied by more than 100 photographs, Negrete recounts his journey from inmate to preacher, tattoo artist, and addiction counselor.



more

Knives & Ink

Isaac Fitzgerald and Wendy MacNaughton. Bloomsbury, Oct.

Fitzgerald and MacNaughton, whose Pen & Ink (2014) looked at the tattoos of writers, rockers, and others, here zero in on more than 60 chefs, with recipes included amid the illustrations. Mission Cantina chef Alison Rivera, for example, sports a practical drawing on her inner arm, depicting various cuts one can make from a whole fish.



more


Return to the main feature.