JESSICA AARON :AN INK FREEDOM

Now it is very clear how a tattoo exceeds the physical limits of the group in which it is imprinted forever and manages to tell a true and provocative story. Jessica Aaron decides to make her talent available to research these characteristics in her work. Always a lover of Japanese culture but it has been a year that she specializes in the art of Shunga, Japanese eroticism, symbol of positivity and protection.

Sexuality is something to celebrate, not to hide.It’s an expressive freedom, it’s a well-being. And Jessica couldn’t have represented it better.

Hi Jessica, if you had to describe yourself with one word, which one would you choose?

Dreamer.It may seem trivial, but I really dream all the time, in many ways and I try to realize my desires, it is the engine of my life.

Would you say that your style is disruptive and provocative when you approach tattoo art?

I approached tattoos eight years ago and it was love at first sight. By nature I dig deep into things, perhaps provocation is also the prerogative of truth and I like it to shine through in my work.

When and why do you decide to specialize in Shunga?

I’ve been fond of Japanese woodcut, oriental cultures and shunga for a long time, but only a year ago I introduced the subject in the tattoo. Japanese erotic art contains meanings of great protection and positivity, eroticism wants to represent life in the East and I believe it is a fundamental component of it. Although this artistic trend is tendentially elitist, I believe it carries with it a true universal message.

Do you consider your art a weapon to break down stereotypes and taboos?

I do not advocate any particular war, but I have my principles and I want to carry them forward, as the freedom to be who you want to be in the first place, without gender distinction.Living well with your own sexuality has many positive implications in various areas of your life and thus also becomes a way to know yourself.

Do you remember the first time you tattooed?

In my house when I was 19, I was tattooing a friend on the kitchen table. I remember it like it was yesterday.

Do you remember an episode where the tattoo you made stuck with you?

There were several episodes, but the most recent one was about a year ago, when I was doing the first tattoo in the style of 'Shunga' on my best friend. At that moment, it’s as if I had closed and opened a circle at the same time, the feeling was that.

You are a very active social media person with a big following. What do you like to share with your art community?

I am also a very private person regarding my personal life and I like to be. With the Instagram audience, I try to be always active by telling the projects I participate in and connecting with them through art, in a sincere way. In order to do more, I recently created a format of interviews with artists and live stylistic contamination, so as to interact with the public in a more confidential way. The program is called 'SHUNGAAH' and will be live every month with crazy and always different guests.

What does tattooing mean to you?

Since I was a little girl, I’ve had an almost poetic vision of tattooing. I’ve always called it 'colored eternity' a tangible time, life.

What’s Jessica getting at?

Every arrival I always live it as a new starting point, but I have many dreams that I would like to realize as an artist and I am working to realize them. One for example is being able to give a different life to my tattoos, being able to transform them into real design objects. Then I go no further, I hope you can see them, in a more or less near future.

Follow Jesicca on her journey as she explores the world of Shunga on her instagram.

Article & Interview by

Vivian Di Lorenzo

Images provided by

Jessica Aaron