Human Marks: Tattooing in Contemporary Art
Joseloff Gallery
September 11 – December 13, 2025
Human Marks: Tattooing in Contemporary Art explores convergences between tattoo culture and global contemporary art. The exhibition, book (Hirmer Publishers), and related programming present the full creative spectrum of artists who maintain both tattoo and studio practices to ask what the world of fine art can learn from today’s tattoo community. With a range of surprising media—from paintings made with human blood to wearable works in silicone and even perfumery—themes of ritual, ethics, and identity tie together the materially dynamic, unexpected, and challenging artwork featured in Human Marks.
Human Marks will be the 8th International Distinguished Artists Symposium and Exhibition (IDASE) at the Hartford Art School, marking a long-awaited return of this esteemed exhibition program after an eleven-year hiatus. Significantly, Human Marks will build on the legacy of IDASE by commissioning six new works for the exhibition. Participating artists include Kaur Alia Ahmed, Oz Bardos, Makoto Chi, Nassim Dayoub, Evan Paul English, Gesiye, Don Ed Hardy, Ciara Havishya, Dr. Lakra, Christopher Martin, Duke Riley, Miller Robinson, Tamara Santibañez, Lyric Shen, and Jayna Won.
In addition to the main exhibition in Joseloff Gallery, the Hartford Art School’s Silpe Gallery will present Realigned Possession, an installation and 8-hour performance by Miller Robinson and Creighton Baxter that elaborates on the theme of identity, specifically in relation to Queer uses of the body.
Related Programming
Opening Reception: Thursday, September 11, 5–7 p.m. at Joseloff Gallery
Symposium: Friday, September 12, 10 a.m.–6 p.m., followed by a Community Dinner
Realigned Possession Performance: TBD
Preorders for the book can be placed here. Stay tuned for more information coming soon on the symposium and other related programming!
The exhibition and programming are generously supported by funds held by Hartford Art School Endowment, Inc. and a grant from the Edward C. and Ann T. Roberts Foundation.