ISO Geometric Tattoo Suggestions

February 9, 2018 4:14 PM

I'm considering getting a nape-of-neck undercut, and a tattoo on the undercut area to go with it. I really like geometric tattoos. I really dislike cultural imperialism.

I absolutely love the delicacy and femininity of mandala designs, dream catchers, and mehndi art but I would not be comfortable putting any of those things on my body. I actually know very little about tattoos, so I'm hopeful that other people can help me identify some symmetric tattoo styles and specific examples I can Google for ideas before my artist consult. Thanks.

posted by DarlingBri to Media & Arts (16 answers total)

I think you need to wander down the rabbit hole of medieval Irish manuscripts. Some of the artwork from monasteries in Ireland is similar in feel to henna designs. I am assuming you’re Irish, obviously.
posted by PorcineWithMe at 5:04 PM on February 9, 2018 [2 favorites]

how about something based on fractals or snowflakes? They can be very delicate and symmetric and beautiful, and science rather than any specific culture.
posted by corvine at 5:16 PM on February 9, 2018 [3 favorites]

Best answer: I think these are pretty sweet. Dotwork is another keyword.
posted by corvine at 5:22 PM on February 9, 2018

Maybe there's something here: Perspectiva Corporum Regularium
posted by firstdrop at 5:30 PM on February 9, 2018 [1 favorite]

The Expanse has a bunch of neck tattoos that are geometric, sometimes lovely, and totally free of cultural appropriation: http://rememberthecant.tumblr.com/post/143293247177/the-expanse-tattoos
posted by bq at 5:45 PM on February 9, 2018

Best answer: for visual references, check out:
http://ariesrhysing.com/portfolio/
https://www.instagram.com/jondix/?hl=en
http://www.dillonfortetattoo.com/portfolio

sacred geometry might be a good search term in the tattoo world, and those shapes and designs are not strictly from one single cultural or religious tradition.
posted by zdravo at 5:47 PM on February 9, 2018 [1 favorite]

What about checking out some of the geometrical adult coloring books?
posted by papayaninja at 5:55 PM on February 9, 2018

What about something inspired by Irish labyrinths? I love what labyrinths symbolize.
posted by amaire at 6:35 PM on February 9, 2018

There are Celtic mandala-type forms.
posted by Iris Gambol at 6:45 PM on February 9, 2018

endless knots
posted by hortense at 6:47 PM on February 9, 2018

When I saw the title I thought you were asking for isometric patterns which I think would be boss.

Also can’t go wrong with a nice penrose tiling
posted by q*ben at 10:54 PM on February 9, 2018 [2 favorites]

You could get something from Haeckel's Kunstformen der Natur.
posted by Bloxworth Snout at 12:44 AM on February 10, 2018 [2 favorites]

You might like Kris Davidson's work, though I don't know how to judge it from a cultural appropriation perspective.
posted by foxfirefey at 2:44 PM on February 10, 2018 [1 favorite]

Response by poster: Thanks so much; I have never enjoyed the answers to one of my own Asks more. Would anyone be able to tell me what this style is called? I am planning to take that image and this image from zdravo's links to my artist to create something that isn't appropriated but is a geometry built from these concepts.
posted by DarlingBri at 4:11 PM on February 10, 2018

Best answer: Would anyone be able to tell me what this style is called?

Floral woodcut, I think? That's where my mind goes, anyways.
posted by tan_coul at 8:51 PM on February 10, 2018 [1 favorite]

Buju Tattoo, where my wife got her last tattoo, is pretty well known around here for floral line drawing work, it can look really amazing particularly if the line work is thin and neat. If you want intricate line work I’d advise you to pick a place where you’ve seen similar work to what you want, otherwise you will probably be disappointed- that’s what they told me at least :)
posted by q*ben at 10:08 PM on February 10, 2018