Inked. 

Tattoos are often dismissed as simple body modifications, but through this project, I set out to explore how they can serve as complex and powerful vessels of meaning. In Athens, Ohio, I photographed and interviewed 15 individuals—each with their own distinct stories etched into their skin. I wanted to understand why people choose the tattoos they do and whether those choices serve primarily as acts of empowerment or as creative expression. What I found is that these categories often overlap, and the meaning behind a tattoo can evolve as much as the person who wears it.

The people I connected with spanned a wide range of backgrounds—ages 18 to 40, across different race, gender, and cultural identities. Some had just one tattoo; others had full sleeves. Their ink included everything from bold, traditional imagery to subtle text, from deeply personal portraits to abstract designs. Each conversation uncovered something unique, yet common threads emerged: themes of healing, memory, identity, and resilience.

This work reminded me that tattoos are more than aesthetics. They are living symbols—markers of grief and growth, protection and pride. Whether used to reclaim space on the body or to carry something cherished, tattoos in this project stood out as both art and armor.

At the heart of it all, I found that while creativity played a significant role, the prevailing feeling among participants was one of empowerment. Through their tattoos, they had found ways to own their narratives—past, present, and future.

—Shamar Semple