What is this exhibition?

The exhibition, titled “Ink Identity,” was thoughtfully created to challenge and change the negative perceptions that some people hold about those with tattoos. Tattoos often carry a stigma, and this exhibition aims to shed light on the diverse and meaningful stories behind the ink. By sharing personal narratives and artistic expressions, we hope to foster a more understanding and accepting view of tattooed individuals.

To make the experience both educational and entertaining, we’ve designed a unique mini-game, much like a board game. This interactive game invites visitors to engage with the exhibition in a playful and immersive way. Participants will navigate through various stations, each providing insights and activities related to tattoo culture and history. As they progress, they’ll learn about the significance of tattoos in different societies, the artistry involved, and the personal stories of those who wear them.

Why this game?

Creating a game to change how people see those with tattoos is a way to promote empathy and understanding in our society. This game helps break down stereotypes and biases by getting people to interact and play together. Through this fun and engaging experience, we aim to build a more inclusive and tolerant community.

By playing the game, people can move beyond first impressions and learn to appreciate others for who they truly are, rather than judging them based on appearances. This initiative not only makes learning enjoyable but also encourages everyone to see the deeper qualities that make each person unique.

Goal of this board game?

The goal of the game is to help people move beyond superficial judgments based on appearances. Instead of seeing tattoos as something negative or taboo, players will come to understand them as meaningful expressions of identity, art, and personal experiences. By highlighting the diverse reasons why people get tattoos, we aim to create a deeper sense of connection and respect among all participants.

This initiative is more than just a game; it’s a platform for encouraging open-mindedness and acceptance. By participating, individuals can learn to value others for their intrinsic qualities and unique stories. Ultimately, we hope this game will inspire lasting change in how people perceive and relate to one another, building a more compassionate and understanding society.

About the board game

Rules

• Main purpose: Find out who is the owner of tattoos.
• There will be 10 cards in the deck, and you four will have to pick up 1 of them. 
• Then, after you pick up 1 of the cards, you will have 6-8 minutes to discuss with your peers. 
• Discuss whose tattoos are or which character owns these tattoos. 
• After the discussion, you 4 will have to come up with one character who owns the tattoo you picked up.

Role

• Doctor
• Pilot
• Lawyer
• Professor 
• Artist

Characters

Artist (From Germany) (Emma Kroos)

– 17 September 1998 (26 years old)

– Black and white

– Italian food and salmon steak. 

– Music, art, sports, and any kind of movies. 

– She is a normal artist who graduated from art school university, and likes to do abstract artwork. She likes to make abstract art in black and white colors, and during her free time, she is interested in any kind of sport or artwork. She has only several friends that she is really close to, and she is quite introverted. When she creates the artwork, she only does it during the nighttime. She is pretty religious. She doesn’t like to hang out often, but sometimes, it is fine for her as well. In the end, she has debt to pay for her bills of over 30,000$.

Tattoos – owls, Jesus Christ.

Pilot (Male: Steve Madison)

05/12/1972 (52 Years)

Blue

Japanese food

Reading novels, cat lover

Steve is a pilot at Emirates Airline. He has a wife and one child in Thailand. He is proud of himself for being a pilot; however, when he has free time, he likes being at home and playing with his cats. He lost his mother when he was 16 because of a boating accident. After his mother’s death, he was sad and recited to himself that he would make his mother proud and try to move forward. Steve also has a new plan to open a Japanese restaurant in Thailand because he and his wife are infatuated with sushi and don, but the restaurant is still planning.

Tattoo: fish with 2 wings

Professor (Female: Anne Hathaway)

04/06/1994 (30 year old)

Purple and Pink

Thai food

Pilates and Reading

She is an ordinary teacher who lives a simple life and cares for herself very much. In the past, when she was in school, she was bullied by classmates that her looks were not pretty and that her figure was fat. She became so obsessed with taking care of herself and losing weight that she had to see a psychiatrist. However, she improved after seeing the doctor and began to love herself and be satisfied with who she was.

Tattoo: Flowers, two hearts

Doctor (Male: Prem Pima)

2/6/1989 (35 years old)

Green

Truffle Pasta

Gym, Gardening, Cooking 

Dr. Prem Pima who was born on February 6th, 1989. He’s a caring doctor who loves his garden and cooking, especially truffle pasta. Prem Pima became a doctor to help others, but he still finds time for his happiness, like going to the gym and enjoying his garden. During a trip to Japan, he fell in love with one thing that reminded her to appreciate life’s beauty. Now, as Dr. Premm Pima, he cares for his patients with kindness and strength, inspired by nature and his love for life.

Tattoo; green clover, koi fish with cherry blossoms tattoo

Lawyer (Male : Alex Thompson)

15/9/1985 (39 years old)

Dark green

Grilled steak 

rock climbing, surfing, and skydiving 

Alex Thompson is a lawyer with a penchant for adrenaline. He was in a small town with a single mother who worked multiple jobs to make ends meet. Alex learned the value of hard work and determination early on. His dream of becoming a lawyer was fueled by his desire to advocate for those who couldn’t afford representation, inspired by his mother’s struggles with the legal system. Alex is all about fairness and justice, however, he also embraces freedom and believes everyone has their rights.

Tattoos : Scale, Soaring eagle

During the exhibition

At the exhibition, there’s more than just the game. We also offer information about tattoos, including real examples and different types of tattoos that you might see in everyday life. For example : 

• Realistic: Mimics lifelike images or portraits, often requiring intricate shading and detail to achieve a photorealistic effect.
• Tribal: Inspired by indigenous art and cultural motifs, typically featuring bold geometric patterns and symbols with deep cultural significance.
• Japanese: Draws from traditional Japanese art and symbolism, featuring themes like dragons, koi fish, cherry blossoms, and waves, often rendered with meticulous detail and vibrant colors.
• Black and Grey: Utilizes shades of black and gray ink to create depth and contrast, often seen in portraits, religious imagery, or intricate designs.
• Watercolor: Mimics watercolor paintings’ fluid, freeform qualities, often featuring vibrant colors and abstract designs.
• Neo-traditional: Modern interpretation of traditional tattoo styles, incorporating elements of realism, bold lines, and vibrant colors with more intricate detail and shading.
• Fine Line: Characterized by delicate, thin lines and minimalist designs, often featuring intricate patterns or small, detailed imagery.

These are just a few examples, as tattoo styles continue to evolve and blend, reflecting the creativity and individuality of both tattoo artists and their clients.

Theory to our exhibition

1. Narrative Paradigm Theory: This theory, proposed by Walter Fisher, suggests that humans are essentially storytelling beings, and we make sense of the world and persuade others through the sharing of narratives. The “Ink Identity” exhibition could be seen as employing this theory by sharing personal stories and narratives behind people’s tattoos. By allowing visitors to connect with these individual narratives, the exhibition aims to create empathy, understanding, and potentially change negative perceptions about tattoos.
2. Elaboration Likelihood Model (ELM): Developed by Richard E. Petty and John T. Cacioppo, the ELM theory proposes two routes of persuasion: the central route and the peripheral route. The central route involves carefully considering and processing information, while the peripheral route relies on cues like attractiveness or credibility. The interactive game and engaging displays in the “Ink Identity” exhibition could be seen as employing the central route, encouraging visitors to actively process information and change their attitudes through careful consideration and elaboration.
3. Cultivation Theory: Proposed by George Gerbner, this theory suggests that long-term exposure to media messages can shape and cultivate viewers’ perceptions of reality. The “Ink Identity” exhibition could be viewed as a counter-narrative to the often negative portrayals of tattoos in mainstream media. By providing alternative narratives and challenging stereotypes, the exhibition aims to cultivate a more positive and understanding perspective towards tattooed individuals, potentially offsetting the effects of negative media representations.

These theories highlight the potential of the “Ink Identity” exhibition to change attitudes and ideologies through the power of storytelling, active engagement, and providing alternative narratives. By employing these communication principles, the exhibition can effectively challenge existing biases and promote a more inclusive and tolerant view of tattoos and the individuals who choose to express themselves through body art.

The “Ink Identity” exhibition has been a journey of discovery and understanding. Through our interactive game and comprehensive displays, we’ve aimed to challenge the negative stereotypes associated with tattoos and showcase the rich, personal stories behind them.

Visitors have had the opportunity to engage with various types of tattoos, learn about their cultural significance, and appreciate the artistry involved. By providing real-life examples and detailed information, we hope to have fostered a deeper empathy and respect for those who choose to express themselves through body art.

Our goal has been to create a more inclusive and tolerant perspective towards tattoos, encouraging everyone to look beyond the surface and value the unique qualities and stories of each individual. We thank you for joining us on this enlightening journey and hope you leave with a renewed understanding and appreciation for the art of tattooing.

Thank you from the Ink Identities Team