Body Art

The ‘Body Art’ exhibition explores the history, culture and identity politics of body art while looking at why people decorate their bodies. Body art and body modification such as tattoos and piercings, but also scarification, branding and implants, have a long history and are present in numerous cultures. This exhibition explores the various meanings and functions of body art, the shifts in beauty ideals and the significance body modification can have in terms of social status or personal identity.