Tattoos have come an awful long way. At one time were an exclusively underground phenomenon but now they enjoy mass appeal for both sexes. This evolution from early sub-culture to today’s mainstream addiction has brought with it a plethora of tensions, fresh ideas and shifts. Now traditionalists and innovators sit on very different sides of the fence. In recent years new influences have emerged from the realms of fashion, traditional tattoo art, modern art and visual culture. This has given rise to a new and dynamic tattoo scene, effectively a new underground. Forever: The New Tattoo ($39) highlights where the art of tattoo is today, and those who have played
