Saoirise is back with another review, this time she reviews The Loving Living Gallery:

‘To keep the body in good health is a duty… otherwise we shall not be able to keep our mind strong and clear.’ Gautama Buddha

Do you like tattoo art? Even if you do not appreciate body art, the gallery I visited is still a treat for the eyes. Ozuma Kaname [1939 – 2011] worked with tattoo artists creating art on silk with fantastic results. His inspirtion is irezumi or the art of Japanese traditional body art tattoos. He studied with his uncle a famous artist as well, Sakai Soushi.

The gallery is owned by a group ‘Loving Living’ and the curator is Evachangin Seredipity. A marvelous tribute to the tattoo artist is on two large floors of this gallery. Ozuma’s work is primarily nude female figures that have stunningly detailed tattoos. These are the wabori Japanese stylings. He draws Buddhist references, those you will find in Japanese culture. It is so popular you will find it on postcards, prints and other gift items.

When you view the images of his painting on silk, the detail is amazing. The female figures are predominately in positions of submission, and when there is a male figure he is dominating. The male figures are often holding the female figures down in position. The female figure bodies are large, round and shapely. All figures are Japanese. The nudes feature smooth lines moving down the entire body including pubic region.

Generally the tattoo culture is a taboo in mainstream Japan. Why? Many of you already know that in Japan it has been thought for many years that tattoo = yakuza and yakazua = criminal. In Japan you may be kicked out of public baths [hot tubs], swimming pools, spas and even shops for having tattoos.

Ozuma’s work is the irezumi and was considered to have moved to the highest skilled levels of this style of tattooing. The irezumi is also the style of tattooing the same used by the yakuza often referred to as the Japanese mafia. Indeed Ozuma worked closely with a former member of the Japanese gang, Horiyoshi III.

A delightful Japanese cultural experience with an icon artist for all to enjoy. Artfully yours, Seersha Heart

Location: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Olentyne/20/161/105