Research 12 Modern Primitives
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Book Overview
Human beings are the only species who deliberately alter their own appearance. This customization can include tattooing, piercing, scarring or adorning the body. Even the actual body shape can be amended - compressed with corsets or padded out in the right places. This work looks at the increasingly popular revival of ancient human decoration practices such as symbolic/deeply personal tattooing, multiple piercing and ritual scarification. Primitive actions which rupture conventional confines of behaviour and aesthetics are objectively scrutinized. In the context of the death of global frontiers, this volume charts the territory of the last remaining underdeveloped source of first-hand experience - the human body.
Format:Paperback
Language:English
ISBN:094064214X
ISBN13:9780940642140
Release Date:January 1989
Publisher:Re/Search Publications
Length:205 Pages
Weight:1.52 lbs.
Dimensions:0.6" x 8.4" x 11.0"
Related Subjects
Anthropology Art Arts, Music & Photography Beauty, Grooming, & Style Cultural Decorative Arts & Design Education & Reference Health Health, Fitness & Dieting Health, Fitness & Dieting Mythology Mythology & Folk Tales Politics & Social Sciences Social Science Social Sciences Textile & CostumeCustomer Reviews
5 ratings
the philosophy and the work
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 20 years ago
This has several excellent articles by the master of the Modern Primatives (Fakir) detailing rituals and works over a very long period of time throughout his life, as well as several others at the forefront of the scene and some relatively unknowns too. This book definitely takes a more serious approach to the philosophy and work of the movement beyond just a dinky tattoo or piercing, and talking about body modification and discipline which are absolutely more relevant, interesting and visually complex. Re-search is a great source for any subject that it is on, and to get these for like 5$ is a bargain of demonic proportions.
Deliciously Wonderful
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 21 years ago
"Modern Primitives" is easily THE best book that explores contemporary body modification. The book has hundreds of pictures, wonderful in-depth interviews with important figures and tons of other great content. Though it focuses primarily on those in the world of body modification today, it also refers back to the origins and meanings in past and present cultures.The interviews are relevant, interesting and very readable. You could sit down and read the text like a novel or you could simply refer to them for reference as necessary.The best part is that this book takes an approach that will speak to those reading for personal reasons *and* those reading for academic interest. "Modern Primitives" is entertainly while still highly intellectual. The text is not sensationalistic like many are; it does not set out to shock the reader or obscenely glorify body ritual -- but simply to educate and inform.
a book i keep picking up again and again
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 24 years ago
let me start by saying that i do very much like a lot of the books that have been published by "re/search".the title says it all: "modern primitives". published back in 1989 it was - as far as i know - one of the first publications looking into now trendy things such as tattooing and piercing. but don't let this mislead you; it goes beyond those topics!there are so many great, fantastic, unbelievable, excellent interviews with countless interesting personalities included. i was overwhelmed! still am! i've had this book for a few years now, but i keep re-reading lots of interviews again and again. here are some of the people that have had the opportunity to speak out in this book: don ed hardy, captain don, anton lavey, leo zulueta, bill salmon, lyle tuttle, vyvyn lazonga, monte cazazza, dan thomé, hanky panky, goodtime charlie cartwright, jim ward and genesis & paula p. orridge (of throbbing gristle / psychic tv fame).also, there are lots and lots of great photographs; (some by the fantastic charles gatewood). though not all of them for the faint hearted...this book is a must-have, imho, for anyone interested in stuff like tattooing and/or piercing.
Kicks a**!! Get it!!!
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 26 years ago
A must for all tattoo/scarification afficionados. Interviews are top notch. Chosen artists truly are the best at what they do. Found this to be a great resource for Masters Thesis at UC Berkeley on Contemporary tattoo. Did not put it down for hours once I got me wee hands on it...
Encyclopedic reference to tatoos, piercings, scarifications
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 26 years ago
A top notch reference book that features some of the most important names in the scene. If you are interested at all in tatoos, piercings, scarifications, body mods, surgical and non-surgical and a whole lot of other related stuff, this book is a great read and a must have reference.
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