Tattoos: “Why Not?”

Written and photographed by Yunkyoung Hillel Kim.

What is your first thought when seeing someone covered with tattoos? Cool, or not? As I look back on my previous photography, there are many people with tattoos. I could definitely say that the “tattoo” is one of my key themes. However, I typically have not taken pictures of the transition of one particular person as he or she collects more tattoos as time goes by. This article will show you the journey of one person named Hun not only as he adds more tattoos but also the photographic transition that took place in the process. I hope this article gives you a chance to expand your thoughts on tattoos and photography.

It was a year ago, with my camera, when I was wandering around Chungjang-ro to find someone dope to shoot. I stopped by a shop and a staff member came to me and ask about my camera. She was the first person who ever came up to me, asked questions, and showed interest in my camera. I told her that I could answer her questions if she would allow me to take some pictures of her, and she gladly posed for me. Then she pointed out her senior staff member who soon would also be interested in standing in front of my camera. That was how I met first met Hun. Since then, every 2–3 months I have visited him and taken his picture. Since he and I are both photographers and fashion bloggers, we are a good match.

After I took his picture on the 14th of May, I thought he was complete as an artist. He is now confident and fully focused compared to 10 months ago when we first met. I asked him if I could meet his tattoo artist and, one week later, Hun and I visited “1lusion_Ink.” I had about an hour-long interview with “Illusion,” and I learned the real behind-the-scenes story of the tattoo industry in Gwangju.

According to tattoo artist “Illusion,” it has been about 15 years since the tattoo industry started in Gwangju, which began with “Red Ocean,” continued with “Illusion,” and is now on its “third generation” of artists. Today, there are more than 100 tattoo shops in Gwangju.

Most of the time, Illusion was critical about the reality of the tattoo industry in Gwangju. People are saying that Gwangju is a city of art, but he somewhat disagrees with that claim due to a lack of understanding among the public. For example, as he and Hun walk through suburban areas of the city, and without exception, they are criticized by elders. This is why young people who want to pursue further and deeper artistic tracks leave for Seoul, where about a thousand tattoo shops are located in the Hongik University area alone. As an outcast not only in society but also in the tattoo scene in Gwangju, it must be tough, but Illusion strongly expressed his will to stay in Gwangju to spread his artwork.

Hun is Illusion’s best friend and walking shop advertisement. He has been working on Hun for five years for free and plans to keep on doing so. At one point in our conversation, I asked Illusion what it means to get a face tattoo, since he himself and Hun each have some on their faces. Both of them gave the same answer: “Why not?” In their answer, I found the core message for this article. Even I, who loves taking pictures of people with tattoos, have limits and prejudices regarding face tattoos. However, despite my views, I know there is no limit to art.

THE AUTHOR

Yunkyoung (Hillel) Kim is a priest in the Anglican Church and also a portrait photographer. More of his pictures can be found on Instagram: @hillelkim