Contemporary Art and the Influence of Tattooing

**Human Marks: Tattooing in Contemporary Art – A Bold New Exhibition at Joseloff Gallery**

The Joseloff Gallery is set to unveil an innovative art exhibition, “Human Marks: Tattooing in Contemporary Art,” on September 11, with a day-long symposium on September 12. This compelling exhibition unites fifteen contemporary artists from across the globe who merge the boundary-pushing practice of tattooing with their broader art initiatives. The artists employ a variety of unconventional media such as paintings using human blood, modern scrimshaw, silicone wearable art, and even scents, showcasing their innovative approaches to contemporary art.

Participating artists include Kaur Alia Ahmed, Oz Bardos, Makoto Chi, Nassim Dayoub, Evan Paul English, Gesiye, Don Ed Hardy, Ciara Havishya, Dr. Lakra, Christopher Martin, Duke Riley, Miller Robinson, Tamara Santibañez, Lyric Shen, and Jayna Won. “Human Marks” will be the 8th installment of the International Distinguished Artists Symposium and Exhibition (IDASE), rejuvenating this esteemed event at the Hartford Art School after over a decade.

Highlighted in the exhibition are six newly commissioned works, including a massive sailboat sail exhibited at Harrison Libraries alongside performance art at Silpe Gallery by Creighton Baxter and Miller Robinson. A carefully curated book by Hirmer Publishers accompanies the exhibition, available for purchase on-site and online.

A highlight of the exhibition’s programming is the full-day symposium at the Hartford Art School on September 12, featuring panels with twelve exhibiting artists, demonstrations, and a keynote by Dr. Matt Lodder, a Senior Lecturer in Art History and Theory from the University of Essex. Attendance is free and the public is welcome, although pre-registration is suggested.

The exhibition and symposium are made possible with support from the Hartford Art School Endowment and the Roberts Foundation for the Arts, solidifying the gallery’s place as a premier venue for groundbreaking art. The Joseloff Gallery, situated in the University of Hartford’s Harry Jack Gray Center, opens its doors free of charge from Monday to Thursday, 12-6 pm, and Friday to Saturday, 1-5 pm. The exhibit is available for viewing until December 13.

For further details, visit [hartford.edu/gallery](https://bit.ly/4mRozh0).