See portions of the 2013 documentary Tattoo Nation and hear from Director Eric Schwartz in the History Museum auditorium. The event is free with admission; Sundays are free to NM residents. Children 16 and under free daily.
Tattoo images of saints and specifically images of the Virgin Mary are popular in Latino and contemporary culture, among men and women. Many early tattoo designs were copies of icons and paintings widely found in churches. Today, Virgin Mary tattoos come in a wide array of styles and designs, all of which are notable for their beautiful color composition, artistic quality, and dramatic effect. This documentary explores how sacred images have permeated the world of tattoos and what they mean and symbolize to the people who bare them. For more on the film, log onto http://www.tattoonation.com/. See a trail of it here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b7VAmi8xWCU&feature=youtu.be.
Download stills from the movie by clicking here, as well as here. A portrait of Eric Schwartz is available by clicking here.
Schwartz will discuss how he was gradually allowed into the inner circle of Chicano artists where he learned about the prison practice of tattooing images of the Virgin Mary for divine protection, to pay respect, or to seek penance. Music will be provided by Kenny Passarelli, who will present a piece inspired by Our Lady of Guadalupe and Santa Fe’s Santuario de Guadalupe.
A sculptor and photographer, Schwartz began making the motion picture after becoming fascinated by the growing tattoo phenomenon. "The stories people told me about their tattoos during photo sessions were intriguing and as I began compiling them it grew into an entire film about the artists and the people who are their living canvasses."
Tattoo Nation is emerging as the definitive look at how "ink" went from underground and illegal just a few years ago to mass acceptance and the status of art. The film has garnered rave reviews when screened at film festivals around the country and director Schwartz has appeared with the film at sold-out events on college campuses.
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