Once seen as taboo or edgy, tattoos have come a long way from their underground roots. What was once dismissed by the art world has now made its way into museum galleries, gaining recognition as a legitimate – and often breathtaking – form of contemporary art.
Over the past few decades, groundbreaking exhibitions across the U.S. have helped reframe tattoos as powerful cultural and artistic expressions. Today, tattoos aren’t just widely accepted, they’re everywhere. In fact, more than one-third of Americans are inked, and nearly a quarter have more than one piece.
Mark Heggie, Signature Tattoo, Tessa
But long before museums took notice, tattoo artists were already pushing creative boundaries – working with one of the trickiest canvases imaginable: the human body. Tattooing requires an incredible blend of precision, artistry and adaptability. Each tattoo must be customized to fit unique body contours and skin textures, and there’s no room for do-overs. A misstep can be costly and painful – literally. Whether it’s a deeply personal tribute, a celebration of culture or identity, or simply a bold style statement, tattoos carry meaning. Often, they’re a collaborative process between artist and client; other times, a spontaneous pick from a shop’s “flash” wall turns into a lifelong companion.
RJ Munger, Untitled Flash, n.d., Liquid acrylic on watercolor paper, 11 x 14 in. | Courtesy of the artist
MI Ink: The Art of Tattoos adds a vibrant new chapter to the story, celebrating the deep talent and rich tattoo culture found right here in Michigan. With roots stretching back to the early 20th century, Michigan has produced some of the industry’s most innovative artists and machine designers. Today, that legacy is alive and well, with over 1,150 licensed body art facilities across the state.
Keith Smith, Stay Gold Art Collective, Alyssa
This exhibition brings together the work of more than 30 tattoo artists, each with their own unique voice and visual style – from time-honored traditional motifs to daring contemporary designs. Since living canvases can’t exactly be put on display, visitors will experience these tattoos through powerful photographic portraits that showcase skin as a storytelling surface. Many of these artists also work in other creative mediums – painting, drawing, ceramics and textiles – proving that their talent goes far beyond the needle.
RJ Munger, Rose Tapestry, n.d., Acrylic on fabric, 36 x 22 1/2 in. | Courtesy of the artist
Whether you’re thinking about your first tattoo or proudly showing off your full sleeve, MI Ink invites you to explore the artistry, passion and personal stories that make tattoos one of today’s most compelling forms of self-expression.
The Flint Institute of Arts Museum + Art School & Shea Automotive Group Present:
THE PARTY: Art of Ink
Saturday, June 7, 2025
Ink meets creativity as we celebrate the artistry of tattoos! Get ready for a night of electrifying body art, unforgettable entertainment and all-around rock ‘n’ roll vibes! Experience themed body art stations, indulgent food and cocktails and a variety of unique performances and unexpected surprises.
This isn’t just an event – it’s an experience, all to support the Flint Institute of Arts’ programs and outreach efforts for PreK-12 students.
