If you are tired of the tradition and you are not one of those who opts for typical or conventional tattoos, abstract tattoos are perfect for you. These are much more artistic designs that do not seek to resemble or imitate reality but are in themselves authentic works of art. In addition, these types of tattoos hide more than what may seem at first sight, because many of them have a special meaning.
Abstract tattoos refer to designs that look more like works of art. It’s not, that other types of tattoos have nothing to do with art, but in this case, it’s something else. Abstract tattoos do not try to imitate something. It usually expresses an emotion or feeling.
Like abstract art, abstract tattoos use the visual elements of shapes and colors to create a composition. This composition will not refer to something that exists in the real world. Abstract works of art are always beautiful and aesthetic. That’s because they usually consist of many colors, lines, and shapes.
These tattoos are the best way to express your feelings in a very subtle way. It will not only show your feelings by looking at it. But an experienced eye will understand its meaning very quickly. By using colors, shapes, and lines, you can create an amazing work of art that stays with you forever. With an abstract tattoo, you can express everything you want. You can dedicate it to each person or something that you love more than anything else. In addition, you can protect the meaning if you do not want to reveal it. Another good thing about abstract tattoos is that they are suitable for men and women.
Abstract tattoos enjoy increasing attention, especially in recent years. This is due to new techniques that allow artists to improve their skills and abilities. That is why so many artists experimented with abstract forms.
As we said, this type of tattoo is unisex. Women admire it for the mystery and sensuality they hide in them. And thanks to simple designs, you can apply these tattoos on almost any part of your body. However, women tend to prefer minimal abstract watercolors tattoos on the back, thighs or sleeves. As for men, we suggest experimenting with thicker designs. Men tend to tattoo larger pieces on their backs, chests, legs, and arms.
The works of the abstract tattoo are born from the imagination, entirely or partially. Abstract tattoo completes the reality; it is therefore not uncommon to see imaginary elements associated, like compliments, with real elements on an abstract tattoo, arising from the imagination of a tattoo artist. Is reality not the best breeding ground of the imagination? If it is true, then it is logical that the abstract tattoo knows how to use elements of the real world to offer unique patterns, so unique that the inspirational sources of abstract tattoos are certainly inexhaustible.
Beauty as a leitmotif for unlimited possibilities. It is from this point that an unavoidable feature of the abstract tattoo is born: the multiplicity of abstract motifs. The close relationship between this style of tattooing and the imaginary must in no way suggest that traits or points drawn at all hazards are enough to make the abstract. Not at all, if it is a common point between all abstract tattoos, it is the search for aesthetics, constant in all tattooed abstract designs, and therefore sometimes calling other styles to perfect the beautiful.
Here are some of the tattoo styles that you can mix and match to make an abstract piece of art on your body.
Realistic Trash Polka
Born in the 2000s in Germany, this style has revolutionized the tradition of tattoos. Line accuracy, full and dense colors and clean lines are the main features of the realistic trash polka, which make the design extremely realistic, sometimes almost similar to a real portrait. Two are the only colors allowed: black and red. The prevailing theme in this innovative genre is the skull which most of the time is accompanied by abstract elements that give harmony to the tattoo.
Irezumi
Originally created for aesthetic and religious purposes and used over time for punitive purposes, the irezumi developed as a decoration only at a later time: in the beginning, they defined the part of the Japanese society that carried out heavy work, such as firemen, traders, and artisans. These decorations, which were mostly inspired by water symbols, became an expression of value and courage, as well as belonging to a group. From this tradition derive themes still in vogue such as the dragon – a symbol of wisdom and longevity – and the carp – associated with positive masculine qualities, as well as being a symbol of good luck.
Watercolor
Watercolor tattoos are made using soft lines and splashes of shaded colors that make them delicate and dynamic at the same time. Thanks to the absence of contour lines and the use of muted colors/tones, the skin does not appear tattooed but rather painted, and the effect produced will be light and pleasant image, as well as unique and original. The abstract designs, flowers, petals, trees and any other symbol that is an expression of the world of nature lend themselves to this style.
Dot Work or Pointillism
Pointillism tattoos are images created with thousands of tiny dots tattooed in areas where shade or blocks of color would normally be used. Mostly they are made with black or gray ink, although they can include some color. They require a lot of patience, talent, and precision because doing them takes a long time. Among the most common themes or concepts within this style are geometry and portraits.
Geometric
Another of the styles that became fashionable lately. They are usually black but you can also use color: the most important is the form. They are made with clean and simple lines and geometric shapes. The drawings are influenced by indigenous, spiritual and tribal cultures, patterns of nature and science, architectural forms and symbols rooted in alchemy (some common examples: triangles, moons, the symbol of the philosopher’s stone and arrows).
Black Work
Tattoos in black or black work, as the name implies, use black ink to cover entire skin fragments with that color. In turn, they mix this ‘painted black’ effect with complex geometrical figures, focusing on the flow of design and body. Some call it Nontribal because many times they take traditional Polynesian figures and mix them with visual arts, more modern. This style has become fashionable in recent years and is a good alternative for those who want to cover a tattoo that they do not like as much.
Celtic and Maori/ Polynesians
Although these tattoos are from different origins, they are framed in what is called ‘tribal’. Some of the oldest forms of tattoos originated in Polynesian cultures, a form of spiritual art practiced on islands such as New Zealand, Hawaii, and Samoa. The tattoos were used to tell the story of the person with geometric symbols and patterns that had specific meanings although there is no 100% reliable information (the symbolism that is known today are historical interpretations or assumptions). The clans of Polynesia are very reserved in terms of the symbolism of their art that has much to do with religious, philosophical and cultural issues, so in the West, they are basically made only for aesthetic purposes.
Conclusion
You’ll find many abstract tattoo designs that are pure works of watercolors or of a different style; you’ll find those in rich bright colors. It’s up to you to see who comes closest to your inner personality, or the image you want to materialize. There will be some who play delicately with geometric patterns, others that mix finely tattoos flowers and animal tattoos, but above all, there are some that will not remind you of anything precise or all at once … if not the beauty and the aesthetics they give off. The abstract tattoo is of the imagination, the search for charm in the abstract, with the only ‘aesthetic’ watchword.