Tattoo styles
Patchwork Tattoos: A Debated Trend
Patchwork Tattoos – The new scapegoat. But why?
Let’s be brutally honest:
Patchwork tattoos are a trend that’s likely here to stay in Oslo. And like any trend that quickly gains popularity, it has faced criticism from all sides. We decided to dig deeper into this phenomenon to understand how a few simple lines can evoke such strong emotions.
But first, let’s take a quick journey through tattoo trends in the Western world to better understand how the art form has evolved and adapted over the years.
1700–1900: The Beginning of a Journey
One of the earliest documented references to tattoos in the Western world comes from James Cook’s voyage to Tahiti in 1769. During this journey, the locals were observed using the word tatau to describe their body art, which later evolved into "tattoo" in English.
This art form was brought back to Europe from Polynesia and Japan, but it wasn’t until the 19th century that the West truly began developing its own tattoo culture.
By the mid-1800s, tattoos were both part of circus life and royal secrets. Circus performers displayed fully tattooed bodies in “freak shows,” while members of royalty often got tattoos in secret. Sailors and soldiers also embraced tattoos, with meaning and symbolism becoming a central theme in the art’s development.
1900–1940: From social security numbers to Hollywood stars
In the early 1900s, tattoos took many different directions. In Hollywood, permanent makeup became a trend, while those facing economic hardship often tattooed their welfare numbers onto their bodies to always have them at hand. Tattooing thus served practical, cosmetic, and symbolic purposes.
After World War II, tattoos experienced a resurgence as soldiers brought inspiration from Asia back home. Sailor Jerry, a pioneer in the tattoo world, drew from Japanese techniques and developed the iconic style that continues to influence tattoo artistry today.
1950–1980: From Sailor Jerry to Punk Rock (and roles)
Sailor Jerry brought tattoo artistry into the spotlight with his colorful designs and distinctive line work. By the 1960s, tattoos had become a part of the music world, with artists like Janis Joplin helping to normalize body art. Her iconic wrist tattoo even graced the cover of Rolling Stone Magazine.
In the 1970s, Ed Hardy introduced the West to Japanese tattoo art. From psychedelic designs to the punk rock explosion of the 1980s, tattoos continued to evolve. The punk movement embraced tattoos as a raw, rebellious expression, while the New School style emerged with colorful and playful motifs that shaped the next wave of tattoo trends.
1990–2010: Tribals, Tramp Stamps, and Barbed Wire
In the 90s, the trend of tribals, tramp stamps, and barbed wire tattoos exploded. With the rise of tattoo studios "everywhere," what started as a beautiful tattoo style and art form also brought along its fair share of cringe-worthy moments.
Whether spotted on a charter trip or a family member inspired by Polynesian tribal designs, this trend was nearly impossible to ignore. The 90s celebrity culture and MTV bear much of the responsibility for the tattoo choices made during this period. Today, countless barbed wire and tramp stamp tattoos have not only faded in color but perhaps also in meaning.
2010–2020: Realism and Microtrends
Advancements in technology gave realistic tattoos a significant boost during this decade, and microrealism emerged as a major trend. At the same time, a counterculture developed with styles like fine line patchwork, ignorant tattoos, and cybersigilism. These styles celebrate imperfection and spontaneity—a clear contrast to the perfectionist approach of previous decades.
Today, tattoos are more accessible than ever. They no longer need to carry deep meaning, and the path from idea to tattoo chair is short. This shift has opened the door for people who might never have considered getting a tattoo before.
Patchwork Tattoos: So, what’s the deal?
Patchwork tattoos can be seen as a way to break down old rules and traditions in the tattoo world. They’ve opened the door for many who may not have previously felt that tattoos were for them. At the same time, they’ve sparked strong reactions from those who have long guarded tattoo culture.
There are plenty of voices claiming that fine line tattoos won’t stand the test of time. We firmly disagree! A professionally done fine line tattoo, created with single needle techniques, holds up just as well as a traditional tattoo, even if it starts off more subtle. That subtlety is exactly what makes it charming!
Where tattoos once represented pride, prestige, and perhaps pain, for many today they are about spontaneity, humor, and accessibility. While some see this shift as a weakening of tattoo art’s soul, it’s important to recognize that for others, tattoos remain full of charm and meaning—just in a different way.
At Masterpiece, it’s not about what’s “right” or “wrong.” We welcome everyone. Whether it’s a small fine line tattoo or a full patchwork sleeve, tattoos are about self-expression, and we’re all for it.
PS: Did you know that fine line tattoos and patchwork sleeves can trace their roots back to prison culture? This style was likely perfected with ballpoint pens in prisons around the world before it made its way into mainstream culture. Fascinating, right?
Temu Tattoo Artists: Small Tattoo, Big Problem
To wrap things up, we want to emphasize that while we fully support creativity and spontaneity, we strongly recommend going to a professional tattoo artist for your next tattoo. Fine line tattoos are an art form, requiring experience and skill to create tattoos that are both hygienic and long-lasting.
Getting a tattoo at an afterparty or in someone’s living room without proper training is a trend we cannot support. It might seem cool in the moment, but the chances of regret and poor results are high.
Use your head, even if you’re tempted by a headless tattoo! 💀
This article was written with assistance from artificial intelligence for language editing. Additional sources:
https://www.businessinsider.co...
