Watch Tattoo Nation

"Tattoo Nation" is a 2013 documentary film directed by Eric Schwartz, which explores the history of tattoo art in America from the 1970s to the present day. The movie goes in-depth to illustrate how tattooing has evolved over the years and how it has become acceptable in modern society. The film primarily focuses on three main characters who played a substantial role in the transformation of tattoo art from being an eccentric practice to a well-respected art form. Don Ed Hardy, Travis Barker, and Freddy Negrete - three icons in the world of tattooing - share their personal experiences and insights into the tattoo culture they helped to create and promote.

Don Ed Hardy, who received his Master of Fine Arts degree from the San Francisco Art Institute, is widely regarded as the pioneer of tattoo culture. His designs blend Asian, American and European traditions, which helped to create a unique style for which he is famous. The film also narrates his collaboration with famous musician Michael Malone, which resulted in the establishment of a tattoo parlor that revolutionized the tattoo industry in America.

Freddy Negrete is another significant character in the film. He is a former inmate who learned tattooing while inside the notorious California prison system, also known as the "ink factory." He went on to become a pioneer in Black & Gray tattooing and transformed the prison-inspired art form to an international movement.

Lastly, the film features the collaboration of the famous musician Travis Barker with tattoo artists. Barker, best known as the drummer of the band Blink-182, has been an influential figure in the tattoo world. He has a widely recognized ink collection, and the film documents his passion for tattoos and how it has contributed to the growth of the modern tattoo culture.

The film brilliantly captures the journey of these three tattoo artists and the evolution of the tattoo culture in American society. It features several industry titans, including Charlie Cartwright, Tony Olivas, and Ed Hardy's mentee Mike Brown, who give different takes on the integration of tattoo art in the mainstream.

Besides the accounts of the veteran tattooists, the film also covers the earliest references to tattoos in America, exploring the role of the Navy in the history of tattoos, and how people found their way into the tattoo business.

The film explains how tattoos have played a crucial role in various aspects of life, from self-expression to serving as personal badges of honor. It also delves into the controversial history of tattoo culture, including stereotypes and prejudices, before ultimately touching on how tattoos have become a widely accepted form of self-expression and a part of mainstream culture.

In conclusion, "Tattoo Nation" is an informative and very insightful documentary that provides an excellent overview of the history and evolution of American tattoo art. It is not only entertaining but also educational, offering an excellent resource for those interested in tattoo history or just curious about this fascinating and rapidly evolving art form.

Tattoo Nation is a 2012 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 26 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.9.