Artesãos da pele: aprendendo a ser tatuador

Abstract

In recent decades, it has been observed that the practice of tattooing has acquired new forms and uses of social values, losing much of its aura of marginality, spreading with few restrictions of class, gender or age. Before means restricted to marginal, has recently become an object of consumption, widely announced, expanding its share of consumers demanding new sanitary procedures and transforming the office of tattooist in a lucrative occupation. From the field observations in three tattoo parlors in the city of Fortaleza, aboard the phenomenon by focusing on trajectories of six tattoo artists. The methodological procedures were semi-directed interviews with tattoo artists, informal conversations with customers and participant observation in the studios. The data collected suggest that tattoo artists mostly from the lower classes, are in the practice of tattooing a way to rise socially, avoiding occupations usually reserved for individuals with low education and come from humble families, emerging as a viable option as opposed to unemployment occupations or discredited. Busco discuss how the insertion means, learning and success in the world of tattoo reflects the traditionalism of this circuit very limited, where the neophytes should be initiated into the practice knowledge through the guidance of masters reluctant to cultivate a younger generation, given the possibility of are forming possible competitors. I inquired further about the perception that professionals have about the office itself where, although you claim to ideals of rebellion and nonconformity, often act in a manner contrary to the values they defend, both in the forms of transmission techniques, and in their adherence to market logic.