French artist Thomas Mailaender photographed a series of models with images printed on their sunburned skin. While the photo series certainly doesn't promote sun safety, it does provide stunning visual imagery.
To create the sunburn-based tattoos, Mailaender started with a series of negatives selected from the Archive of Modern Conflict’s collection. He then projected a powerful UV ray over the images until they revealed an image on the surface of the skin. Because the images are fleeting, Mailaender had to be quick to capture the pictures before the sun caused them to disappear. There are 23 different pictures in the series and each features a model with sunburned skin and the faint image of a vintage photograph.
The full collection of photographs can be found in Mailaender's new book, 'Illustrated People.'
Sunburned Skin Tattoos
These Tattoos are Transferred to Human Skin Through the Use of UV Rays
Trend Themes
1. Sunburned Skin Tattoos - Opportunity for artists and photographers to explore temporary tattoo art on sunburned skin using UV rays.
2. Visual Imagery Photography - Emerging trend of using unique techniques like projecting UV rays onto models' skin to create captivating visual imagery.
3. Temporary Artistic Expressions - Growing interest in temporary art forms that embrace impermanence, such as fleeting images revealed on sunburned skin.
Industry Implications
1. Art and Photography - Disruptive innovation opportunity for artists and photographers to experiment with new techniques, creating captivating temporary visual experiences.
2. Printing and Imaging Technology - Potential for printing and imaging technology advancements to enable precise UV projection onto human skin, expanding artistic possibilities.
3. Publishing and Media - Opportunity for publishing and media industries to explore unique and attention-grabbing visual content, such as sunburned skin tattoos in photographic books.