Skin Pics

"It takes the inner man and puts him on the outside where he can be seen."

A bold reveal of a rose tattoo opens this 1980 documentary on tattooing in New Zealand. The potted history includes visits to tattoo parlours on K' Road and Hastings, and the studios of industry legends Steve Johnson and Roger Ingerton. Tattooists discuss public stigma, people's reasons for getting inked, and popular designs: sailors, serpents, swallows and tā moko. Made for documentary slot Contact, Skin Pics chronicles a time when "folk art has become high art".

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Release Date

October 1, 1980

Status

Released

Original Title

Skin Pics

Runtime

29min

Budget

Revenue

Language

English

Production Companies

Television New Zealand