Museo de la Ciudad de México will host an Exhibition.

Mexico's Dr Lakra, will be having a museum exhibition at the Museo de la Ciudad de México in Mexico City beginning December 7, 2011. After a museum retrospective at the Boston ICA in the summer of 2010, the critically acclaimed artist will be showcasing works never-before - seen in Mexico City.

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Tin: Internal Clock soon at Last Rites Gallery - New York City

Tin: Internal Clock

October 1st – October 23rd

Opening Reception:

Saturday, October 1st, 7-11pm

Last Rites Gallery presents Internal Clock, new works by Tin, in what will be the artist’s second solo show at the gallery.

Working with a neutral color palette of oil pastels, artist Tin creates dream worlds where beautiful women intermingle with rigid machinery. His exaggerated female forms maintain a sensual pin-up quality, while casting an undeniable air of mystery. Combining innocent eyes and soft flesh with manufactured industrial parts, the viewer is lured into a dark fairytale where natural and mechanical elements seamlessly co-exist.

Influenced as a child by comic books and cartoons, Tin states that his real passion creating art did not come until later in life, spurned by a brush with his own mortality: “I sketched from time to time and did ok in high school art class. Then I became a fisherman, like the kind out of the movie Perfect Storm. I almost died three times and should have lost my drawing hand at least a dozen times. After my last close call with death I decided to become an artist.” Tin went on to do commercial and pin-up art for 7 years, but his art took a turn as he felt unchallenged with what he was creating. He says “The art I was doing had no heart. So one day I was finishing a pin-up girl and I remember saying out loud to myself ‘If I only had a heart’- which reminded me of the Tin Man from The Wizard Of Oz. At that moment I decided to do more interesting works and call myself Tin.”

Last Rites Gallery

511 W 33rd Street, NYC

212.529.0666

info@lastritesgallery.com

Last Rites Gallery Announcement

Laurie Lipton:

Carnival Of Death

New York, New York

October 1st – October 23rd

Opening Reception:

Saturday, October 1st, 7-11pm

Last Rites Gallery presents The Carnival Of Death, new works by Laurie Lipton, in what will be her first solo show at the gallery.

A master of graphite, Laurie Lipton’s detailed drawings explore the passages of life and the portal into death. With technical prowess, she approaches her subject matter with a unique blend of both elegance and dark humor. Influenced by Día de los Muertos iconography, this exhibit runs just prior to The Day Of The Dead, commemorating the holiday by which it was inspired.

“I became fascinated by the contrast between the Day Of The Dead festival in Mexico and my experience of my mother's death. My parents were atheists. We had no ceremony, no goodbyes, no "closure". My father instructed the hospital to cremate my mother and dispose of her ashes. She was gone, disappeared, zapped out of existence. I was left with Nothing... literally and metaphysically. Friends & family treated my mother's death like an embarrassment. They awkwardly murmured Hallmark platitudes before slinking uneasily away. Death is as forbidden a topic in modern society as sex was in Victorian England.

When I visited Mexico in order to see The Day Of The Dead festival some years later, I couldn't help feeling envious of their approach to mortality. Families gathered on graves and picnicked, whole villages turned up with food for households in mourning. Death was treated as normal, even silly. Candied skulls grinned in their hundreds and skeletons danced in a fair-ground atmosphere. I decided to rebel against my heritage and create drawings inspired by the mood and atmosphere of the Mexicans. I decided to get in-touch with my bare bones. My culture runs from death, screaming. We worship youth, beauty and the illusion that we have all the time in the world. We frantically face-lift and botox, and throw pills, creams and money at death. We fool ourselves into thinking that death only happens to other people & only losers die. Skulls always look like they're laughing. Maybe the joke is on us?”
-Laurie Liption

About The Artist:
Laurie Lipton was born in New York and began drawing at the age of four. She was the first person to graduate from Carnegie-Mellon University in Pennsylvania with a Fine Arts Degree in Drawing (with honours). She has lived in Holland, Belgium, Germany,France and London and has recently moved back to the States after 35 years abroad. Her work has been exhibited extensively throughout Europe and the USA.

Lipton was inspired by the religious paintings of the Flemish School. She tried to teach herself how to paint in the style of the 17th century Dutch Masters and failed. When traveling around Europe as a student, she began developing her very own peculiar drawing technique building up tone with thousands of fine cross-hatching lines like an egg tempera painting. "It's an insane way to draw", she says, "but the resulting detail and luminosity is worth the amount of effort".

Artwork on Skateboards Made by Tattoo Artists

Art is a universal medium of expression. It can range from an intricately designed tattoo to artwork on the bottom of skateboards, which was the type of artwork showcased at the Chrome Lotus Tattoo and Art Gallery event Sunday, Aug. 28, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., called "No Grip Allowed!"

The art show was put together by Tara Renee, the Colonial Drive shop owner. Renee started out as a piercer in her hometown in Orange County, Calif. and has been tattooing for about six years.

Tattoo Art In the Philipines - Dutdutan

Dutdutan: (doot-doot-ahn) - a Tagalog word meaning to continually insert or jab.

Now on it’s 11th year, Dutdutan is now synonymous with tattoo art in the Philippines. At least that’s how a lot of tattoo enthusiasts in the country would like to view it.

For the 15,000 or so who congregated at the World Trade Center in Manila on August 26 and 27, the biggest tattoo show this side of the earth is also a definition of the alternative lifestyle that they have chosen.

But according to the organizers, tattoo art was not always part of the alternative scene. Native Filipinos have a rich history of tattoo art dating back to pre-colonial dates. In fact, when the Spaniards first got here, they were greeted with a heavily tattooed Visayan tribe and they called the islands “La Isla De Los Pintados” meaning the “Island of the Painted Ones.”



Christianity and western culture eventually supplanted that practice and not until we fast forward to the 90s do we see the rebirth of skin art.

The man and talent behind that is Ricky Sta. Ana, who started the yearly gathering with a small group of tattoo artists and customers. Eleven years later and supported by a major alternative lifestyle brand, Tribal Gear, the show has now taken on a bigger vision.

It is now a convention, known in the skin art circle around the world and they are even able to bring in the best tattoo artists from around the world to prove that. Underlying this achievement is the organizers’ cause to eliminate the stigma of skin art as taboo, since it has always appealed to the rebel crowd and the unconventional.

Last Rites Gallery Announcement

Saturday, September 3rd, 7-11pm

Last Rites Gallery Presents...

Brian M. Viveros
Returning Art To The Unclean

Solo Exhibition

September 3rd - 25th, 2011

NEW YORK, NY (September 3rd, 2011)- Last Rites Gallery presents Returning Art To The Unclean, new works by Brian M. Viveros.

Known for his strong and sensuous depictions of women, Brian M. Viveros is a master of contemporary iconography paying homage to the femme fatale. While he almost exclusively paints portraits, within the expressions of his women is conveyed such deep emotion and overwhelming sexuality that his work is undeniably erotic. Often without even a hint of nudity, the viewer is seduced with a mere pout and gaze from his subject's faces. Although carrying on a long tradition of the alluring female in art, his work differs from Pin-Up style images of the past.

Aside from the absence of figurative representation, the commanding subjects in his art contrast "Cheesecake" ideology of the soft and innocent. Instead, with her empowered stare, the Viveros smoking bad-girls flaunt battle scars, tattoos, and army paraphernalia. A force to be reckoned with, she is the epitome of a subculture heralding a new era with shifting ideals.

This underlying concept of grit combined with sensuality is brought forth in his execution and paint handling, as flesh rendered with an almost touchable suppleness is juxtaposed by paint splatters and brushstrokes. With explosive compositions and an unmistakable style, Viveros creates 20th century representations of both beauty and culture.

Brian's paintings have appeared in museums and galleries throughout the world, and featured by media including Juxtapoz, Tattoo Society, Hi Fructose, Skin Two, and TLC's LA Ink. In 2005 Viveros made his directing debut with his short "Dislandia", and he has since created the full length feature "Southern" and other films, which have premiered internationally and have been featured on networks including The Sundance Channel.

In what will be Brian's second showing at the gallery, the opening will feature an all new collection of original paintings, as well as special rare prints from the artist's own collection; poster giveaway and signing; live "Smoking Army" performance; screening of Brian's films along with his new short, and much more.

For inquiries, please contact: info@lastritesgallery.com

Last Rites Gallery

511 W 33rd Street, NYC
Tel: 212.529.0666

www.lastritesgallery.com

Spirit Gallery Welcomes Diana Diriwaechter

Spirit Gallery Tattoo– New London’s tattoo studio and art gallery hybrid – presents “Neverland,” a collection of artwork by the award-winning artist and photographer Diana Diriwaechter. The show will open on Saturday, August 27, with an artist’s reception from 6-8 p.m. at Spirit Gallery Tattoo, 207 Bank Street, New London, Conn.

“Neverland” gives the audience a personal look into Diriwaechter’s imaginary world and its inhabitants, many spawning from the artist’s childhood memories.

“As a child growing up in Switzerland my family and I spent many summers in a remote cabin in the alps. Besides spending much time reading books, my mother often told me wonderful stories of faraway worlds full of fantastic characters,” Diriwaechter said. “During the day I spent many hours exploring the alpine meadows in the company of these imaginary friends. Today many of my portraits are of characters who escaped from this fantasy world. They each carry with them their own unique story. I hope the imagery evokes the imagination of the viewer to come up with their own background for each inhabitant.”

Born and raised in Switzerland, Diriwaechter found her way to the United States, settling in the Hudson region of New York State. After years in the advertising industry, Diriwaechter landed a job at the Connecticut-based, award-winning Blue Sky Studios as a materials technical director where she has contributed to movies such as “Ice Age 2,” “Robots” and “Horton Hears a Who!” Mainly known for her fine art photography, Diriwaechter has been recognized with many different awards including 1st and 2nd Prize at the prestigious International Photography Awards (Luci Awards), 1st Prize for The PX3 Peoples Choice Awards and a Merit Award chosen by Susan Kismaric, curator for The Museum of Modern Art in New York City.

“Neverland” will hang until September 24. Viewing hours are 12- 8 p.m. Tuesday – Saturday.

For more information call (860) 443-0484 or visit www.spiritgallerytattoo.com.

About Spirit Gallery Tattoo:

Marrying fine art with body art, Spirit Gallery Tattoo – New London’s only art gallery and tattoo studio – showcases paintings, sculptures, jewelry and more from both local artists and artisans to national celebrities. The gallery also hosts art workshops throughout the year. Located at 207 Bank St. in downtown New London, Conn., Spirit Gallery Tattoo strives to create custom tattoos that complement the wearer's body and style.

www.spiritgallerytattoo.com.

Paul Booth's 'The Grand Reincarnation' Tattoo Event

World-famous tattoo artist Paul Booth has just announced more special details on 'The Grand Reincarnation' events taking place on July 22nd, 23rd and 24th at his Last Rites Gallery & Tattoo Theatre, located on the 3rd floor at 511 West 33rd Street in New York City. 'The Grand Reincarnation' events are in celebration of the recent re-building and evolution of the gallery and theatre.

The second evening of the event is when Booth will open the Tattoo Theatre area of the space. Making a special trip all the way from Budapest, Attila Csihar, vocalist from the infamous band Mayhem, will present his solo dark ambient project Void Ov Voices. Since 1992, Attila has been the lead vocalist in the influential Norwegian black metal band Mayhem and since 2004 he has been the permanent guest vocalist for the doom/drone metal band Sunn O))). Csihar states the concept behind Void Ov Voice is to use "only my voice as an instrument via a loop machine and effects."



Sunday brings a great time to wind things down with a gathering of talent from Booth's family of artists to paint live at Last Rites. This is a great opportunity to witness these masters bring their stunning creations to life right before your eyes. Artists for Sunday's live painting event include Shawn Barber, Kim Saigh, Chet Zar, Genevive Zacconi, Angie Mason, Fred Harper, Billy Norrby, Matt Rota, Martin Wittfooth, Paul Booth, The ArtFusion Experiment and more.

For more information, visit http://lastritesgallery.com & http://darkimages.com

Last Rites Announcement

Last Rites Reborn!

Join us to celebrate
July 22nd through 24th


Last Rites is proud to announce a very exciting point in its evolution. We are now becoming more of a destination than ever before as we are now undergoing a major makeover. We are literally gutting our space, knocking down almost every wall and rebuilding from the ground up.

Not only will we be expanding our overall square footage, but we are flipping the entire layout altogether and giving Last Rites Gallery utmost prominence and increased space for a better viewing experience. And of course, the Last Rites Tattoo Theatre's new set design will surely take the client’s experience to new dark realms like never before.

Aside from a more elegant dark décor throughout, Paul is adding some new surprises that are sure to inspire even the most unsuspecting guest. The all new Last Rites will truly live up to the commitment of furthering it's notoriously dark and haunting yet equally warm and inviting atmosphere that makes it so unique. Last Rites is and always will be a true sanctuary for all that share a like-minded appreciation for art that originates from the dark side of the human condition.

As Last Rites steps boldly across this threshold, One can expect to see a greater focus on support for our familiars in the art community with the development of painting and tattoo seminars from notable artists, live painting events and gatherings, artist roundtable discussions, a completely new and innovative online community and of course, let's not forget those surprises we mentioned!

Join us in celebrating this new era for Last Rites
The Grand Reincarnation Weekend

Friday July 22nd
Chet Zar and Craig LaRotonda Opening Reception
~ The inaugural exhibition for the all new Last Rites Gallery ~

Saturday, July 23rd
Unveiling Party for the all new Tattoo Theatre.
~ Come help us launch the new Last Rites ~

Entertainment, refreshments, giveaways, prizes and more!

Sunday, July 24th
Live painting sessions throughout the day.
~ With the Last Rites family of artists (artists TBA) ~

Watch master painters bring their works to life!


Please stay tuned for more details & announcements.

Last Rites is located at 511 West 33rd Street - suite 3N | NY, NY 10001


Sources
La Sumisa
Last Rites


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Last Rites Gallery presents Lilith, new works by Sarah Joncas

Presents: Sarah Joncas

Opening Reception: Saturday, April 30th, 7pm-11pm
Last Rites Gallery presents Lilith, new works by Sarah Joncas. Using powerful and sexually charged energy, "Lilith" takes on a darker context with Joncas painting in full-force celebration of the original femme fatale. Combining explicit imagery with more subtle anthropomorphic iconography, she leads us into a world of seduction and mystery.

"My show Lilith is not necessarily as a direct allegorical reference, but more so for what she represents. According to Jewish Mythology, Lilith is considered to be the true 1st wife of Adam, her unwillingness to submit caused her to rebel from Eden in search of her own dark path. As such, she’s been written as the temptress, the mysterious and the devil. Taking from fairytale and folklore inspirations, much of the work borders on the fantastical, indulging and sometimes turning other mythological females into similar demoniac beings. Though working with a relatively more aggressive theme than usual, I’ve kept the melancholic and pensive tone that my work is most well known for. In general, I’ve always focused on the alienated female subject as well, making a theme on the legendary archetype a natural course for me to take. In a sense, I see this body of work as a bit of a return for me. Though the women I’m portraying in these pieces are bolder, more sexual and more mature than those of my previous work, I’ve decidedly brought back some of the whimsy that I’d abandoned after years of schooling. In effect, this body of work has been especially fun for me to create, which is more or less the reason I got into painting in the first place."

Sarah Joncas was born in 1986 and grew up within both Hamilton and Niagara Falls, Ontario. She currently resides and works out of Toronto, Canada. Her interest in the visual arts developed at an early age, starting with the dedicated drawings of dinosaurs and lizards. Eventually the study and enjoyment of working from existing images stirred up the need in Sarah to create images of her own; ones that could reflect the world, yet also appease the personal feelings/ideas that she herself maintained. With this, her direction changed gradually from the world of animation, towards a path in fine art.


About Last Rites Gallery:
Established in 2008, Last Rites has become a premiere gallery for the Dark Art movement and a haven for artists who prefer to explore the ominous, uncomfortable, and eccentric in their work. Striving to showcase some of the most thought-provoking art in contemporary surrealism, Last Rites creates an atmosphere where the artist can harness limitless expression and the observer can reflect inward, inspired to understand that which resides in us all. Since it’s inception, media accolades now include Juxtapoz, Inked Magazine, Tattoo Society, Hi Fructose, NY Post, and the Channel 11 News. Paul Booth, featured by Rolling Stone as “King of Rock Tattoos”, opened Last Rites after 20 years of contributions to the tattoo and art community. Networks including Discovery, TLC, MSNBC, and MTV, continue to share Last Rites' reputation with the world.
On display April 30th to June 5th, 2011.
( Installation Shots Coming Soon )

CONTACT:
Celeste Fuechsel
Assistant Director
1-212-560-0666
info@lastritesgallery.com
Last Rites Gallery, 511 W. 33rd street, 3fl New York, NY 10001


Sources
La Sumisa
Last Rites Gallery


Subscribe to updates thru BBM: 32669473

Last Rites Gallery presents solo shows by Anthony Pontius and Sarah Joncas - Saturday, April 30th, 7pm‏

Last Rites Gallery presents:

Solo shows by:
Anthony Pontius and Sarah Joncas
Opening Reception: Saturday, April 30th, 7pm-11pm

ANTHONY PONTIUS, THE DECAY:

One of the most unique painters to emerge from the modern surrealist movement, Anthony Pontius is a maverick of medium - never following a formula, he experiments with various paint, thinner, and every vehicle in between to achieve unexpected and unprecedented results. Fluid and unabashed, his paintings do not shy of the bravado of bold brushstroke or a valiant splash of color, yet manage to retain an understated elegance. As recognizable images unravel into subconscious forms, these combinations of representational art with sinuous abstraction evoke intense emotion through the power of suggestion. In his latest body of work, Anthony examines the importance of the human connection to history:

"By using past and present techniques of painting and written histories, I invent my own nostalgic experiences and narratives. I examine imagery, stories and concepts from both the past and present and place them in a shared setting. The established conflicts and connections found in this union enable an image that is flexible for many audiences. I implore traditional and contemporary practices of painting and mix these approaches to form new arrangements. I may use classical clarity to represent and to define a specific part of a story, and at the same time use the ambiguity of abstraction to complete the formation of the work. From this, a new myth develops. It is a story that is familiar yet it has not been cultivated by anyone. The combination of specific imagery and less comprehensive moments creates an accommodating proclamation that allows the viewer to share the anxiety and beauty of human involvement with its identity. This approach allows me to represent our alignment with the annals of history. This display of beauty and complexity of the unknown provides a foundation to what we consider the past and present. As with history, these paintings are not clear or concise. They are fluctuating consequences wielded from contribution."

SARAH JONCAS, LILITH:
Last Rites Gallery presents Lilith, new works by Sarah Joncas. Using powerful and sexually charged energy, "Lilith" takes on a darker context with Joncas painting in full-force celebration of the original femme fatale. Combining explicit imagery with more subtle anthropomorphic iconography, she leads us into a world of seduction and mystery.

"My show Lilith is not necessarily as a direct allegorical reference, but more so for what she represents. According to Jewish Mythology, Lilith is considered to be the true 1st wife of Adam, her unwillingness to submit caused her to rebel from Eden in search of her own dark path. As such, she’s been written as the temptress, the mysterious and the devil. Taking from fairytale and folklore inspirations, much of the work borders on the fantastical, indulging and sometimes turning other mythological females into similar demoniac beings. Though working with a relatively more aggressive theme than usual, I’ve kept the melancholic and pensive tone that my work is most well known for. In general, I’ve always focused on the alienated female subject as well, making a theme on the legendary archetype a natural course for me to take. In a sense, I see this body of work as a bit of a return for me. Though the women I’m portraying in these pieces are bolder, more sexual and more mature than those of my previous work, I’ve decidedly brought back some of the whimsy that I’d abandoned after years of schooling. In effect, this body of work has been especially fun for me to create, which is more or less the reason I got into painting in the first place."

Sarah Joncas was born in 1986 and grew up within both Hamilton and Niagara Falls, Ontario. She currently resides and works out of Toronto, Canada. Her interest in the visual arts developed at an early age, starting with the dedicated drawings of dinosaurs and lizards. Eventually the study and enjoyment of working from existing images stirred up the need in Sarah to create images of her own; ones that could reflect the world, yet also appease the personal feelings/ideas that she herself maintained. With this, her direction changed gradually from the world of animation, towards a path in fine art.

About Last Rites Gallery:
Established in 2008, Last Rites has become a premiere gallery for the Dark Art movement and a haven for artists who prefer to explore the ominous, uncomfortable, and eccentric in their work. Striving to showcase some of the most thought-provoking art in contemporary surrealism, Last Rites creates an atmosphere where the artist can harness limitless expression and the observer can reflect inward, inspired to understand that which resides in us all. Since it’s inception, media accolades now include Juxtapoz, Inked Magazine, Tattoo Society, Hi Fructose, NY Post, and the Channel 11 News. Paul Booth, featured by Rolling Stone as “King of Rock Tattoos”, opened Last Rites after 20 years of contributions to the tattoo and art community. Networks including Discovery, TLC, MSNBC, and MTV, continue to share Last Rites' reputation with the world.
On display April 30th to June 5th, 2011.

CONTACT:

Celeste Fuechsel
Assistant Director
1-212-560-0666
info@lastritesgallery.com
Last Rites Gallery, 511 W. 33rd street, 3fl New York, NY 10001

Sources

La Sumisa
Last Rites Gallery



Subscribe to updates thru BBM: 32669473

Skin and Bones Tattoo Exhibit

For centuries, long before their landlubber cousins sported shoulder skulls and bicep beauties, seafaring men have offered up their skin to the tattoo artist's needle. The results are as plain as the anchor on Popeye's forearm.

"There's a thin wall between life and death at sea," says Craig Bruns, curator of "Skin & Bones — Tattoos in the Life of the American Sailor," a touring exhibition now on display at Mystic Seaport. "You're going to want talismans for good luck, and you're going to want them on your very body, almost like a second skin."

Even fictitious sailors had them.

In Herman Melville's novel "Moby-Dick," for example, the imposing harpooner Queequeg was covered in tattoos. "This tattooing had been the work of a departed prophet and seer of his island, who, by these hieroglyphic marks, had written out on his body a complete theory of the heavens and the Earth, and a mystical treatise on the art of attaining truth," Melville wrote. "So that Queequeg in his own proper person was a riddle to unfold; a wondrous work in one volume; but whose mysteries not even himself could read."

"Skin & Bones" unravels some of those mysteries.

Using everything from antique needles to old postcards, it traces the connection between American sailors and tattoos from Colonial times right up to current-day U.S. Coast Guard sailors. Plus, visitors can sit at a "Tattoo-A-Tron" and get their own faux tattoo.

The exhibit debuted in 2009 at Philadelphia's Independence Seaport Museum. Mystic is its first port of call since then, and it will remain here through Sept. 5.

"Sailors were working folks," Bruns explains. "They were the lowest rung on the social ladder, just above slaves. They were feared. They looked weird. They had their own jargon, and they were rowdy. And they had these tattoos."

There were practical reasons for all the body art, of course.

First, tattoos were a form of identification. Sailors had little in the way of personal possessions, and they depended on tattoos to indicate their citizenship, religious affiliation and date of birth.

Tattoos also showed where a sailor had traveled, whether he crossed the equator, how many miles he sailed, significant military battles he was in, names of ships on which he served and names of shipmates who died.

"By 1770, there was already a very complex tattoo culture," Bruns says. "It's a mark of masculinity. Of belonging. Of patriotism."

"Skin & Bones" has early tattoo equipment on display, from the sail-making needles of the 1700s to the advent of Samuel O'Reilly's electric Tattoo Machine in 1891. There also are examples of tattoo "flash" — the books of tattoo designs that served as portfolios for shipboard tattoo artists.

One of those flash books, owned by a sailor named C.H. Fellowes in about 1900, is on loan from Mystic Seaport. It's one of the oldest flash books still in existence.

Beyond such artifacts, the exhibit is filled with the tattoos themselves.

You have dragons, American flags, hula girls, hearts, roses, ships, figureheads, coils of rope, mermaids, whales, eagles, shields, fish and stars. Some swabbies preferred the "twin screw" tattoo: a pair of propellers that sailors thought would keep them from drowning and propel them back to shore.

On one wall of the exhibit is the classic, 1944 Saturday Evening Post cover, "The Tattoo Artist," painted by Norman Rockwell. It shows a brawny sailor getting the name "Betty" tattooed to his arm, underneath the crossed out names "Sadie," "Rosietta," "Ming Fu," "Mimi," "Olga" and "Sing Lee."

There are nuggets of nautical tattoo trivia, too.

For instance, Macy's shoppers may be interested to know that the department store's red star logo is identical to the red star tattoo on the arm of founder Rowland Macy, who worked on a whaling ship when he was a teenager.

Here's another tidbit. Sailors believed they could survive a shipwreck if they tattooed a pig on their left foot and a rooster on their right foot. This may be because shipboard animals traveled in crates that floated if they were tossed overboard.

"Some tattoos were very allegorical, and others were pretty direct," Bruns says. "It was all part of being a sailor and being part of that world."

Today's sailors are represented in a series of video interviews with Coast Guard officers talking about their tattoos.

"There is something unique about my Neptune tattoo on my left calf," says Emilio Mercado, a petty officer recorded at the Sector Delaware Bay Station in Philadelphia. "The tattoo doesn't show the eyes of Neptune, since I'm acting as the eyes of Neptune right now for the United States Coast Guard and the nation. ... Once I retire, the eyes will be drawn in the tattoo as a completion of my duty and to ensure safety for my own life."

American sailors have decorated their bodies with tattoos for more than 200 years. Discover why in this new traveling exhibit from Philadelphia's Independence Seaport Museum. Skin & Bones presents over two centuries of ancient and modern tattooing tools, flash (tattoo design samples), and tattoo-related art, historic photographs, and artifacts to tell the story of how tattoos entered the sailor's life, what they meant, and why they got them.

A tattoo could be a memento of a voyage, a memorial to a lost shipmate, or a talisman to ward off evil spirits. They also had a practical side: tattoos were used to prove identification in event of catastrophe or imprisonment. Regardless of the purpose, the tattoo served to prove the wearer's membership in a maritime brotherhood.

The exhibit traces the progression of purpose and design to the present. Some of the connections are surprising: The famous red star logo of Macy's department store is believed to have been inspired by a tattoo founder R.H. Macy got while on a whaling voyage in the South Pacific on the Emily Morgan (a predecessor of the Museum's 1841 whaleship Charles W. Morgan).

Skin & Bones brings together the most comprehensive presentation of design flash on this subject. From eagles and flags, to ships and animals, to lost shipmates and loved ones, visitors can survey the evolution of tattoo design through the decades. One of the oldest surviving books of American flash, bearing the name C.H. Fellowes, belongs to Mystic Seaport and is on display. Visitors can also see the range of tattoo-making tools, from rather crude sail-making needles to Samuel O'Reilly's revolutionary electric tattoo machine of 1891.

Visitors will be invited to get their own tattoo in an interactive "tattoo booth" where a recorded "tattoo artist" talks to them about their chosen design as he inks a pretend tattoo on their forearm using a video projection effect. They can also try their hand at sketching a tattoo and share the results.

By the end of the exhibit, you will know if you have a tattoo, thank a sailor!

Sources
Jim Shelton

Last Rites Gallery Announcement

The staff at Last Rites Gallery, are proud to host a plethora of artists from around the planet, creating the some of the best work within the Dark Art genre. Right now our hearts go out to our friend, Japan based artist Yoko D'Holbachie, her family, and everyone who has fallen victim to the unexpected and tragic events of the earthquake and tsunami.

In lieu of these recent hardships, we are deeply touched by Yoko's contribution to our upcoming "Song Of The Sirens" group show of her uplifting painting "Goddess", and her offer to donate her share of the sale of this piece to the relief effort. In her own words: "In this painting I depicted a goddess that could save the people of Japan from the Tsunami. I hope she will rescue people in Japan, my homeland, from despair. "title: GODDESS size: 16.1 x 20.9 in chacrylic on coated wood panel (framed) $2200 USD Last Rites will also be donating the gallery portion of proceeds on this piece so that 100% of the sale cost will go toward the relief effort.

If you are interested in purchasing this featured painting, or donating otherwise toward the Tsunami relief, please contact the gallery: 

Sincerely, Paul Booth & The Last Rites Team

212.560.0666

info@lastritesgallery.com   

Last Rites Gallery presents Song of the Sirens

Opening Reception: Saturday, March 26th, 7pm-12am
Saturday, March 26th, Last Rites Gallery presents it¹s first all-female group show.

Known for exhibiting "Dark Art" - a genre typically outnumbered by male artists, The gallery has set out to present a feminine twist on this hard-edged style. Just as the Siren song lured sailors to their violent death, over 17 female artists will be entrancing viewers with the beauty of their aesthetic, leading them into a more sinister realm.

Among this diverse group of talent is Tara McPherson- a fine artist & illustrator who¹s been profiled by publications including Vanity Fair and Spin, in addition to her work for rock bands such as Beck and Modest Mouse and commercial clients such as Warner Brothers and Nike; Niagara- former member of the punk band Destroy All Monsters, now creating striking depictions of strong women which have been exhibited in galleries & museums around the planet; Lady Pink- a world renowned graffiti artist who's artwork has been gracing the streets since the since the 80's, as well as presented in collections including the Whitney Museum, the Brooklyn Museum, and the MET in New York City; and Amy Crehore's mysterious, dream-like narratives have been exhibited in notable galleries and museums for many years and commissioned by America's top magazine and book publishers such as ESPN Magazine, Esquire, Forbes, GQ and Rolling Stone.

Featuring diverse subject matter and a variety of media from:

Amy Crehore, Imminent Disaster, Yoko D'Holbachie, Leslie Ditto, Dan-ah Kim, Danni Shinya Luo, Angie Mason, Tara McPherson, Miso, Catherine Brooks and Tamara Cervenka aka Isobel Milena, Niagara, Lisa Petrucci, Lilly Piri, Mijn Schatje, Pink Smith, Allison Sommers…and more!

About Last Rites Gallery:Established in 2008, Last Rites has become a premiere gallery for the Dark Art movement and a haven for artists who prefer to explore the ominous, uncomfortable, and eccentric in their work.

Striving to showcase some of the most thought-provoking art in contemporary surrealism, Last Rites creates an atmosphere where the artist can harness limitless expression and the observer can reflect inward, inspired to understand that which resides in us all. Since it's inception, media accolades now include Juxtapoz, Inked Magazine, Tattoo Society, Hi Fructose, NY Post, and the Channel 11 News.

Paul Booth, featured by Rolling Stone as "King of Rock Tattoos", opened Last Rites after 20 years of contributions to the tattoo and art community. Networks including Discovery, TLC, MSNBC, and MTV, continue to share Last Rites' reputation with the world.On display March 26th to April 23rd, 2011.

CONTACT: Celeste Fuechsel
Assistant Director1-212-560-0666 info@lastritesgallery.com

Last Rites Gallery,
511 W. 33rd street, 3fl New York, NY 10001

San Francisco Tattoo and Piercing Studio Hosts Art Exhibit and Cocktail Hour March 27

Tattoo Boogaloo's art show opening on March 27th will feature artwork by two of its own tattoo artists Deanna Wardin and Mez Love.

As connoisseurs of all things art, Tattoo Boogaloo's owners and artists are hosting an art exhibit and cocktail hour beginning at 6pm on March 27th, 2011. Located in the heart of North Beach in San Francisco, Tattoo Boogaloo's tattoo artists Mez Love and Deanna Wardin switch media for the night, and will display ten collaborations they created for local tea company, Herb 4 U Garden.

Herb 4 U Garden commissioned Mez and Deanna to digitize some of their original paintings to create labels for their tea canisters. "We had so much fun creating the original paintings, that it's really exciting that our work will now be featured on the canisters of Herb 4 U Garden Tea," says artist Deanna Wardin.
The original artwork by Mez and Deanna will be up for sale at Tattoo Boogaloo, and the art opening is in support of Tattoo Boogaloo as well as Herb 4 U Garden. Additionally, information about Herb 4 U Garden's new products will be on display at the event.

Jared Anderson and Kyle Ford, mixologist extraordinaire of the bar 15 Romolo located in North Beach and known for their unique and delectable libations, will concoct tea-infused cocktails during the event.

Tattoo Boogaloo is hosting an art exhibit and cocktail hour on March 27th.

Mez Love specializes in portraits and realism and I enjoy creating contemporary and graphic works," said Deanna. "We encourage everyone to stop by for good company, an exceptional cocktail, beautiful artwork and lots of fun."

We had so much fun creating the original paintings, that it's really exciting that our work will now be featured on the canisters of Herb 4 U Garden Tea.

For more information about Tattoo Boogaloo's art exhibit or any of their products or services, call them at (415) 391-1053, view them on the web at http://www.tattooboogaloo.com, or visit their store located at 528 Green Street, San Francisco, CA 94133.

About Tattoo Boogaloo
Tattoo Boogaloo is a San Francisco tattoo and piercing studio located in the North Beach neighborhood. They accept walk-ins for tattoos and piercing and are also available for consultations on future body art.

The San Francisco tattoo studio has been open since July of 2010, and it is owned and operated by the three artists Chris, Deanna and Mez. They are also pleased to announce the newest addition to the Boogaloo crew, Katie Grienstead, also known as Katie the Piercing Lady.

4,500 + at Portland Tattoo Expo

Until recently, it was nearly impossible to hold national tattoo gatherings in Oregon -- a paradox for Portland, given its robust and growing tattoo industry. But about six months ago, the legal landscape changed. And one figure emerged as the leader in efforts to amend the state's rigid license rules for tattoo conventions.

Fittingly, his full-time job now includes planning an annual tattoo expo, which was held Friday through Sunday in Portland. "Every tattoo artist in the world wants to do work in Portland," said Brandon Ingram, 42, publisher of Northwest Tattoo Magazine. "We wanted to make that possible, so we were very persistent with Salem.

The result was huge." The Portland Tattoo Expo, held over the weekend at the Oregon Convention Center, is a testament to Ingram's tenacity. More than 4,500 people turned out over the three-day event, which was organized by Ingram and his business partner, Kevin Rasmussen, both of Eugene. The event, in its second year, featured exhibits, seminars and contests. "Winter is a hard time for tattoo artists, so coming to expos keeps me inspired," said Jeremy Justice, 33, an artist from Seattle-based Apocalypse Tattoo. "I've done the same tattoo on four different continents. I'm traveling a lot.

And Portland has a lot of talented tattoo artists. A lot of big names here. You don't find that everywhere." Ingram agreed that Portland has a certain panache in the tattoo world. He estimated that the region has roughly 100 shops, twice the number that existed five years ago. Local artists at the Expo confirmed the expanding market. "The past couple of years there's been a whole lot of new people tattooing in Portland," said Craig Brown, 31, an exhibiting artist from Portland.

"It's a double-edged sword because you get a bigger audience along with oversaturation." Several artists explained the growing number of tattoo shops in Portland by pointing to the popularity of tattoo schools. The schools, held in tattoo shops and state-regulated, serve as a fast-track to becoming a state-certified tattoo artist. Since 1993, tattoo artists in Oregon have been required to have state-issued licenses. A departure, many artists say, from the days when the craft was mastered through long and rigorous shop apprenticeships.

But whatever the reason, tattoo shops are cropping up all over. And it's not just local artists who understand the booming demand. But state law had to change for outsiders to tap the Portland market. Before April, a tattoo artist had to obtain an Oregon license with the Oregon Health Licensing Agency to do work -- even short-term -- in the state. After two years of lobbying the state agency, Ingram helped change the rules: Out-of-state tattoo artists can now obtain a 15-day permit to do work at "settings such as fairs, carnivals or bazaars," according to the new regulations. Thus, the turnout for this year's expo.

"People come from around the world now. And they come for different reasons," Ingram said. "Sometimes to make money, as a social thing, to network, to get guest spots, to trade tattoos and ideas. We'll keep this going for as long as we can."