Exploring Afrofuturism In Tattoo Culture

Tattooing has evolved from a cultural practice to a form of personal expression, 

a symbol of rebellion, a beacon of identity.

But for people of color, tattoos hold an even deeper significance.

They're a direct bridge to our ancestral roots - 

allowing us to sit in the present, evoke the past and manifest bright futures despite circumstances.

They are a visual narrative of our personal and collective history, a bold declaration of our identity in a world that often tries to silence us.

What's more ... in this future, as the world maddens tattoos have emerged as a powerful tool for mental health and healing - a form of therapy. 

Each tattoo IS a testament to our resilience, a symbol of healing, a mark of triumph over adversity. It's a form of self-care that empowers us to reclaim our bodies, to transform pain into art,

etching stories of survival and celebration onto our skin.

We envision curating a new Black tattoo experience - 

one where pioneers, matriarchs, and professional artists crafts an outline of the historical milestones, movements, and contributions through artistry with the tattoo industry, allowing aspirants and other young artists (inspired by the crafting and healing modality) a way to see their future selves and possibilities. 

This futuristic anthropological experience empowers our community and industry to combine tattoo and technology with history, art, culture, creativity, and innovation - 

a monumental shift our community and industry deserve.

Black Tattoo Anthology is 

one part enthography, one part anthropology, one part pop-culture.

Join us as we embark on a captivating journey, delving into the vibrant world of 

Black tattooing, its rich culture, and the thriving renaissance it experiences today. 

This initiative passionately follows and documents the narratives of black artists, pioneers, and community members who dare to break boundaries, embrace their heritage through the art of tattooing by coloring outside the line, and rewrite the history through our lens and skin. 

By capturing these contemporary experiences, this project shines a spotlight on black artistry and tattoos on melanated skin, while underscoring the profound intentionality and influence of this art form within the culture. Moreover, this initiative meticulously traces the history of black tattoo culture, illuminating its significance in the present day and celebrating our successes. 

Beyond being skin-deep, Black Tattoo Anthology serves as a profound link, 

fostering a deeper connection to our ancestry within the members of Black tattoo culture - enriching our understanding of who we are as individuals and as a community. 

This dynamic initiative acknowledges the past, celebrates the vibrant present, and enthusiastically lays the groundwork for the future, 

uniting Black tattooing, and culture in an unparalleled manner – the heart of Afrofuturism.

There Are 4 Ways to Experience & Engage With Black Tattoo Anthology

• A Book-set: the reality | A 7-book set featuring conversations with the Godfathers of Black & urban tattoo culture, industry thought leaders, spiritualists and creative visionaries of the culture.
• A Docuseries:  the reality-fiction | Cinematic stimuli that focuses on the lives of 9 melanated tattoo shops dedicated to the expressionistic lifestyle, interspersed with interviews from a chorus of Black artists and enthusiasts from throughout the United States.
• A Manga: the non-fiction fiction | Escape into what wellness within the expressionless dystopian near future world that BTA and its characters are set within.
• A Festival: the gathering | Meet like-spirited minds at our pop-up festival for melanated tattoo artists & enthusiasts to continue and deepen the conversation around equity and inclusion in culture industries, like tattoo.