Chicano tattoo style
The Chicano tattoo is rightly called the most famous style around the world. It is relatively young because it’s beginning of history falls in the middle of the twentieth century. But this did not prevent it from being easily and quickly recognized among other directions in the art of body painting.
How it all began: briefly about the main points
To this day, no one can say exactly how the word "Chicano" is translated. It is most commonly associated with the term "Mexicano," which indicates American Mexicans. This is because for the first time tattoos in this direction were inflicted by gangs in Latin America. Then, for several decades, it was worn exclusively by members of the underworld. But the situation has changed. Since then, the tattoo has been used as a decoration for men, women.
Tattoos hide a certain meaning. They indicate a futile existence, the highest measure of justice. Many scholars associate the Chicano tattoo with the so-called "death dance," in which death is traced. It is as if she is leading people. That is why the drawings on the skin have a certain mystique.
Features of the Chicano style
For the color design of the tattoo, black and gray tones are used. No bright, colorful colors. The main motifs that are considered popular in the named direction are:
- hope, belief in the best;
- weapons;
- wealth;
- playing cards;
- dice;
- skulls;
- cars;
- gangsters;
Attractive girls whose faces are painted with hieroglyphs, drawings, signs. The last variant is considered the most popular. The uniqueness of the style is hidden exactly in the compositions with the girls. Their faces are often decorated with patterns of national themes.
There are illustrations of the skull on the cheeks, which is the embodiment of terrible beauty. Such drawings are called "Santa Muerte" or "Holy Death" (in translation from the original). Once you see the tattoo, you will slightly recognize this style among others.
In Chicano tattoos, religious motifs are also noticeable. This is because the style originated in those poor quarters, where only faith helped people cope with the hardships of real life. In the tattoos, there are images of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Jesus Christ. Of symbolism, crosses, angels are popular. But the shades of the illustration are dark and gloomy. After all, this is one of the features of the style.
Chicano quite often uses inscriptions. These are beautiful and at the same time mysterious phrases of Latin American characters. They conceal important human priorities, the laws of existence, which must be fulfilled. Some bearers of such tattoos claim that it protects from evil forces. Therefore, often the tattoo for a person is just a unique amulet.
Among the characteristic features of Chicano are:
- black color;
- careful lines of images;
- crisp outlines;
- pronounced shadows and penumbra;
- a high level of contrast.
Together they create realistic illustrations.
Traditional tattoos are monochrome. But today they occur with some changes in design. Individual masters perform tattoos in red, blue, green tones. But black still prevails in such a drawing.
Where it is best to stuff such a tattoo
The tattoo in the Chicano style looks spectacular in large sizes. Therefore, before its padding, it is worth to determine the place. Most often, people prefer to do this:
- back;
- chest;
- abdomen;
- forearm;
- the upper part of the leg.
Tattoo masters are reluctant to do tattoos on the abdomen. Because this part of the body is prone to sudden changes. And the drawing is made once and for all. Can you imagine what will become of a beautiful girl, tattooed in this place, if the abdomen sag, or on the contrary, increase, become more round. In that case, the tattoo will not be considered a decoration of the wearer.
Nowadays, the Chicano tattoo style has lost its criminal essence. But it remains mostly male. But despite this, often the fairer sex also choose tattoos in favor of this style. Such drawings give them more sexuality, effectiveness, mystery.