Tattoos are transformative. With a needle and some ink, our skin is transformed into a canvas. Tattoos tell stories of culture, resilience, and individuality. Although the perception of the art form has evolved over the years, what has remained is the rebellious spirit and commitment to storytelling that has made tattoos so meaningful to so many.

Opened on October 25th, Artworks debuted the Bold Will Hold collection. This series showcases the artwork of dozens of tattoo artists, alongside more traditional artists, who have drawn inspiration from tattoo culture. Featured works will included photography, flash art, illustrations, and more. The collection was curated by the Trenton Punk Rock Flea Market, another powerhouse in the Trenton area. Artworks’ commitment to fostering creativity and the arts, in tandem with the Trenton Punk Rock Flea Market’s finger-on-the-pulse knowledge of counterculture, makes for a truly special exhibition.

According to the Artworks gallery description, “For thousands of years, tattoos and the artists that create them have utilized their human canvases to tell tales of survival and the hunt, love lost, life at sea and the weary road traveler but in recent years the art form, and the massive growth of artists behind it, have become accepted as part of the cultural mainstream. What was once frowned upon as something relegated to sailors, blue collar workers and the downtrodden has now become a widely sought after form of art.”

The collection will be on display from October 25th through November 19th. Interested guests are also welcome to attend the opening reception on Friday, November 4th, 2022 from 6-9pm. Additional details regarding the event can be found on Artworks’ website here: Bold Will Hold – Details. If you have any questions, please contact Artworks at info@artworkstrenton.org or (609) 394-9436.