New 'MI Ink' exhibit at FIA features the work of 27 Michigan-based tattoo artists

FLINT, Michigan — The Flint Institute of Arts is showcasing the evolving landscape of tattooing with its new exhibit, MI Ink: The Art of Tattoos. Featuring the work of 27 Michigan-based tattoo artists and their clients, the exhibit highlights tattooing not just as a form of personal expression, but as a serious artistic practice worthy of museum walls.

“In fulfillment of our strategic plan goals, we are presenting exhibitions that feature contemporary trends by Michigan artists,” said Sarah Kohn, FIA Director and Curator of Collections and Exhibitions. “While once taboo in the United States, tattoos have become a popular art form that we wanted to explore.”

The exhibit features photographs of 50 tattooed individuals, with tattoos ranging from the size of a baseball to full body suits. In addition to the photographs, the exhibit includes paintings, ceramics, textiles, and other media created by tattoo artists, showing how their skills translate across artistic formats.

“You get to see how they take the skills they apply to tattooing and apply it to things like ceramics, painting, and textiles,” said Kohn. “The skill and creativity of each artist shines through.”

The exhibit also addresses the deeper cultural and emotional significance of tattoos.

“This exhibition illustrates how important self-expression is across all communities,” Kohn explained. “Whether they want to commemorate a moment in their life, memorialize a loved one, celebrate their culture, or just for fun, tattoos can be important tools for people to show themselves on their flesh. The artists in this exhibition bring those visions to life.”
Courtesy photo | FIAJulian Bast, Below my Chest, Above my Stomach and Inward about 4 Inches, 2023-2024. Acrylic on canvas, 36 x 36 in.
To mark the opening, the FIA hosted a members-only preview on Friday, May 16 that featured a lecture by tattoo anthropologist and writer Dr. Lars Krutak, followed by a reception and exhibition viewing. The museum’s Education Department also transformed its Exploration Annex into an immersive tattoo shop experience for guests of all ages.

Curating a show on tattoo art came with its own set of challenges. One was simply knowing where to start.

“This art form can be explored in so many ways, and having a solid vision will help it all come together,” said Kohn. “We knew that we were going to focus on our state and really highlight the artwork of these artists.”

Despite initial uncertainty about how many artists would want to participate, the response exceeded expectations.

“We were overwhelmed with positive responses. It has been a great time working with everyone,” said Kohn.

The MI Ink: The Art of Tattoos exhibit is on display now until August 31, 2025, in FIA's Hodge and Temporary Galleries.

The Flint Institute of Arts is open Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Friday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday from 1 to 5 p.m. Admission is free for FIA members and Genesee County residents, $10 for adults, free for children 12 and under, $8 for students with ID and for seniors. Admission is free for everyone on Saturday, courtesy of Huntington Bank.