Skin Deep

Skin Deep is a short documentary film that explores the relationship between tattooing and healing, primarily through the method of scar cover-up tattoos. Through interviews with five individuals who have received scar cover-up tattoos, a dermatologist, and a tattoo artist, the film analyzes the relationship between a tattoo and a scar, and dives deeper into the reasons why we choose to show certain marks while hiding others. Visual metaphor and reenactment are also used to expand on the many benefits of body modification, and the ways in which it can help people reclaim their bodies. This accompanying paper will focus on the history and social relevance of body modification as healing practice and examine various frameworks through which tattooing practices can be viewed. It will also serve as a support piece for the film, and will explain the methodology, influences, and overall process of the work.