Tatoueurs, Tatoués - Exposition at Quai Branly

Tatoueurs, Tatoués (Tattooists, Tattooed) - an exposition exploring the history of tattoo artists and tattoos, as you may have guessed, from their origins through to current times.

The exposition starts with the origins of tattooing, which is said to date back to 3350 - 3100 BC. It looks at the reasoning behind tattoos in these earlier cultures - a mark of initiation rituals, an indicator of marginalisation, a mark of social prestige, a mark of punishment. In general, a sign of belonging or not belonging to a group.

It then continues on with tattoo history - circus sideshows, tattoos in Japan, tattoos in North America, and tattoos in Europe. Each has an interesting past of tattoos growing and falling in popularity, interplaying with historical events.

It also takes a special look at tattoo culture in New Zealand, Samoa, Polynesia, Borneo, Indonesia, Philippines and Thailand, and the recent resurgence of traditional tattooing. The exposition then finishes with a look at recent trends and developments in the tattoo world.

It is displayed mostly through photos and video, but there are also some historical artefacts such as old tattooing tools and preserved tattooed human skin. And lastly there are 32 works by contemporary tattooists, tattooed onto various media including several on silicon body parts.

All up, it's a huge diverse display of amazing tattoos from around the world. It's a fascinating area of art and history, and the perfect place for some inspiration if you are planning to brand yourself.

••  Runs 6 May - 18 Oct, at Musée du Quai Branly.