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Tattoo designs - B >> Biomechanical

Biomechanical Tattoo Design Meanings - Bio-mechanical tattoos are realistic, three-dimensional impressions of a robotic bio-realm beneath the skin. It's a 'tromp l'oeil', or 'trick of the eye', since the skin often appears to be peeled back to reveal what you're truly made of - an improbable (but somehow sublime) combination of mechanics and flesh. Where there should be a mess of blood and bone, tendons and sinew, we might see mechanical components - gears, tubes, and levers. Some say these titanium parts represent our hidden potential.

More popular with guys than gals, these biomechanical designs are usually inked over the body's most powerful musculature - the upper arms, calves, thighs, back, and sometimes the wrist.

Traditionally, biomechanical tattoos are done in black and grey, which lends itself to the accepted notion of metal and robotics. But full colour better serves an 'interior life' composed of fanciful objects found therein, like butterflies, and 'the light' of our true nature.

Most of us first became aware of 'biomechanics' while watching any one of the "Alien" movies. The genius behind the design of the alien creature was the Swiss surrealist, H.R. Giger. (He won the Oscar in 1980 for 'best achievement in visual effects'.) Giger's previous artistic works had already earned him a reputation for probing our primal fears and instincts. He was clearly trying to disturb those who encountered his man-machines. Says one observer, "This man knows what we fear."

Much of modern-era tattooing - skulls, blood, vampires - can be called 'dark art'. Biomechanical designs - sometimes called 'biomech' - with its living tissue enmeshed with machinery, fit right in. Art is at its most powerful when we're moved emotionally, either positively or negatively. Shock and awe, they're both motivators, forcing us to look inwards. Until we can do that, we're not likely to accept who we are.

Get inspired by some great images and photos in our Biomechanical Inspiration Gallery

See also: Skull Tattoos, Vampire Tattoos

Choose your Biomechanical Tattoo Design from TattooJohnny.com

Tattoo designs - B >> Biomechanical

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