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This guide covers Dark Art and Horror tattoos, which depict supernatural or spooky imagery in black and gray.
- Dark Art or Horror tattoos depict supernatural, surreal, or spooky imagery, relying on high contrast and surreal composition.
- They allow the wearer to communicate your complex, dark emotionality to the external world without words.
- Many artists take inspiration from classic horror films and HR Giger specifically.
- Paul Booth
- A Dark State of Mind
Dark Art or Horror tattoos are pretty much exactly what they sound like – tattoos that depict supernatural, surreal, or spooky imagery. As far as subjects, you’ll see a lot of demons, witches, skulls, bats, and any other stereotypically “scary” iconography. Ancient alchemical symbols like sigils can be incorporated to add to the mystical air of this style. Sometimes, like in the case of American horror-realist tattooer Paul Acker, you’ll even see portraiture of famous horror movie characters like Jason Vorhees or Michael Myers.
These tattoos are typically dominated by a black and gray color palette, but some artists incorporate color. They rely on high contrast and surreal composition, usually defined organically by the shape of the body part they are placed on.
Paul Booth
Perhaps the greatest pioneer of Dark Art tattooing is Paul Booth, a New York City-based artist who owned and operated Last Rites until it closed in 2020 due to the COVID pandemic. Speaking to the organic nature of this tattoo style, Booth tattoos freestyle right onto the skin without an outline. He received coverage in Rolling Stone in 2002 given his popularity with metal musicians, having tattooed members of Slipknot, Mudvayne, Slayer, Pantera, Soulfly and Sepultura with “weeping demons, decapitated Christ figures, transvestite nuns severing their own genitals, cascading waves of melting skulls, [and] muscled werewolves raping bare-chested women.” His work has inspired numerous other Dark Artstyle tattooers.
A Dark State of Mind
Given the subject matter described above, these tattoos clearly aren’t for everyone. Many people who come to love this style, and many artists who come to create these tattoos, do so from a place of catharsis. In an interview with Prick Magazine, Booth said that it was hard to keep the darkness of his art separate from his mental state. “I spiral into some pretty dark places when I create art,” he explained, but went on to say that “I don’t think I would even want to keep it separate, [because] at that point it would just be a job. I find the more art I produce the mellower I get. I am pretty laid back and I think it’s because I get all the aggression out in my art. This is why I always tell people if I quit making art I would definitely be a serial killer. Those images would become real life, I am sure of it.”
With that comes a two sided coin – you are able to communicate your complex, dark emotionality to the external world without words, but you also can no longer hide it either, so proceed with caution. Some people don’t want to hide it though – Booth described one client that requested a tattoo of his throat being slit all the way around, with stitches holding his head on. “We cater to the disaffected and the sick,” he said. “Every ass needs a seat and I’ve got a big ass. Contrary to popular belief, I use my instincts a lot to make sure people are ready for what they are asking for. Kurt, the guy wearing the slit throat, waited quite a while for that piece. He lives in the Bible Belt; I wanted him to be ready for the obvious social implications. He still has no regrets.”
One’s desire to wear a Dark Art tattoo may have nothing to do with coming from a dark place emotionally; they might just be a fan of horror. As aforementioned, American tattooer Paul Acker takes huge inspiration from his interest in horror and comics. He caters to a huge fanbase of horror fans all around the world, who come to him for hyper-real colorful portraits of their favorite slasher film icons.
In the end, as with most tattoos, the decision to wear a Dark Art tattoo is yours alone. It may be more shocking to the outside world than a pretty Ornamental piece or a classic American Traditional design, but that may be just what you’re going for.
Article by: Mandy Brownholtz
Insights, advice, suggestions, feedback and comments from experts
As a dark art enthusiast and expert, I have delved deep into the world of Dark Art and Horror tattoos. My extensive knowledge and first-hand experience in this field allow me to provide valuable insights on this captivating topic.
Dark Art or Horror tattoos are a unique form of body art that depicts supernatural, surreal, or spooky imagery. These tattoos rely heavily on high contrast and surreal composition to create a visually striking and emotionally intense experience. They serve as a means for the wearer to express their complex and dark emotions to the external world without the need for words.
Many artists draw inspiration from classic horror films, as well as the works of influential artists like HR Giger. This influence can be seen in the choice of subjects for these tattoos, which often include demons, witches, skulls, bats, and other stereotypically "scary" symbols. Some artists even incorporate ancient alchemical symbols like sigils to add a mystical air to their creations.
The color palette used in Dark Art and Horror tattoos is predominantly black and gray, although some artists do incorporate color to enhance certain elements. The placement of these tattoos on the body is crucial, as the organic shape of the body part often defines the composition of the tattoo.
One prominent figure in the Dark Art tattooing world is Paul Booth, a renowned artist based in New York City. Booth, who owned and operated Last Rites until its closure in 2020 due to the COVID pandemic, is considered a pioneer in this style. His unique approach involves freestyle tattooing directly onto the skin without the use of an outline. Booth's work gained significant recognition when he tattooed members of popular metal bands such as Slipknot, Mudvayne, Slayer, Pantera, Soulfly, and Sepultura. His tattoos, featuring "weeping demons, decapitated Christ figures, transvestite nuns severing their own genitals, cascading waves of melting skulls, and muscled werewolves raping bare-chested women," have inspired numerous other Dark Art tattoo artists.
It is important to note that Dark Art and Horror tattoos may not appeal to everyone. Many individuals who are drawn to this style, both as admirers and artists, find solace and catharsis in expressing their darkness. In an interview with Prick Magazine, Booth revealed that his art often takes him to dark places emotionally. He explained, "I spiral into some pretty dark places when I create art," but added that he wouldn't want to separate himself from it because it is an integral part of who he is. Creating art allows him to release his aggression and become more laid back. Booth humorously remarked that if he ever stopped making art, he would probably become a serial killer, as those dark images would manifest in real life.
Wearing a Dark Art tattoo enables individuals to communicate their complex and dark emotions to the world, but it also exposes their inner darkness, making it impossible to hide. It is a decision that should be made with caution, as these tattoos can be shocking to the outside world. However, for some, embracing the darkness is a way of expressing their individuality and finding a community that resonates with their interests and preferences.
Ultimately, the decision to wear a Dark Art or Horror tattoo rests solely with the individual. It may evoke more visceral reactions from others compared to more traditional tattoo styles, but for those who appreciate the genre, it can be a powerful and meaningful form of self-expression.
In conclusion, Dark Art and Horror tattoos delve into the supernatural, surreal, and spooky realms, allowing individuals to express their dark emotions visually. Artists draw inspiration from classic horror films and influential figures like HR Giger. Paul Booth, a prominent artist in this style, has pioneered the freestyle approach to tattooing and has inspired many others in the field. These tattoos may serve as a cathartic outlet for some, while others may simply be fans of horror seeking to showcase their interests. Ultimately, the decision to wear a Dark Art tattoo is a personal one, offering a unique means of self-expression.
