The rise of tattoos into the mainstream has been a defining aspect of
21st century western culture. Tattoos and Popular Culture showcases
how tattoos have been catapulted from 'deviant' and 'alternative'
subculture, into a popular culture, becoming a potent signifier of
'difference' for the Millennial generation.
From tattooed film superheroes such as Harley Quinn, MTV's Just Tattoo
of Us, and the extensively tattooed and mediated bodies of celebrities
across social media, tattoos are now not only inscribed into increasing
numbers of Millennial and Gen Z bodies, but also into mainstream
culture. As the entrenched stigmas associated with tattoos are eroded
Barron asks, how do subcultural and mainstream tattoo images and
practices co-exist? Which cultural expressions are at the forefront of
modern tattoo culture?