The Museum of Latin American Art’s “Ink” is a complex, sophisticated history of tattoo art in California—in particular the way Navy town Long Beach served as a focus for artists who’d go on to help invent a distinctly Chicano vocabulary of imagery.
Think of it as a lesson in art, history, sociology, culture and politics all at once, written in a way that can never be erased—indeed, it’s an art form that’s as close to permanent as one can get.
And this isn’t just a gallery show; fittingly, it’s a living exhibit, and as such, “Ink” will feature live demonstrations from top-notch Californians, including Long Beach’s Ivanna Belakova on Sept. 8, with appearances to follow later this year by iconic black-and-gray artist Freddy Negrete, Black Anchor’s Nikko Hurtado, Outer Limits local legend Kari Barba and 2Spirit’s Roxx.
“Ink” at Museum of Latin American Art, 628 Alamitos Ave., Long Beach, (562) 437-1689; molaa.org. 11 a.m. Through Feb. 3, 2019. $7-$10.
