Under My Skin

Library Journal

Along with the mass popularity of body piercing and tattoos comes an abundance of books on body art. This one takes a slightly different look at the world of tattooing by focusing on individuals who are so heavily tattooed that they are curiosities, even within the tattoo subculture. Photographer Wyatt makes environmental portraits of subjects whose diverse backgrounds range from carpenter to artist to appellate attorney. These intimate black-and-white portraits allow the viewer to focus on the person beneath the tattoos. This approach gives Wyatt's subjects a certain dignity, quite unlike the stereotype of the tattooed sideshow freak. The most interesting aspect of the book, however, is the personal writing: each portrait is paired with an honest account written by the subject. Along with the portraits, these direct narratives give the book a compelling voice-an authentic, gritty quality that helps us to understand just why these people have chosen to mark their bodies. Recommended for general collections, particularly where books on piercing and tattoos are popular.-Shauna Frischkorn, Millersville Univ., PA Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information.