February 28, 2013
- Writing Grief on Skin
- Time: 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
- Location: Leslie F. Malpass Library, Room 180
- Description: On Thursday, February 28, 2013 at Noon, Bridget Welch will present, Writing Grief on the Skin: A Qualitative Study on Memorial Tattooing” in room 180 of the Leslie F. Malpass Library.
"I wanted to get a symbol of his life, so I would never forget him by placing it on my body, making it a part of me. He is ever present." –Jim, tattooed a cross on his arm in memory of his father.
When we experience a death we all grieve in a variety of ways. This talk explores one way we respond to loss – through getting a tattoo. Interviewing people who got tattoos for siblings, parents, friends, roommates, and fallen soldiers, it became clear to me that the tattoo serves as a way to maintain a connection to the ones we’ve lost and to allow us to talk about that loss – and their life – long after society has said it’s time to move on. According to Welch, “In this talk, I will explore how tattoos are used to claim ongoing attachment, allow emotional deviance, and even challenge the viewer of the tattoo to engage in dialogue about the death.”
The discussion is open to the public and attendees are encouraged to bring their lunch. Please contact Bill Thompson at wa-tompson@wiu.edu or Tammy Sayles at tj-sayles@wiu.edu with any questions.
- Contact Information:
Tammy Sayles
Phone: 309-298-3298
Email: TJ-Sayles@wiu.edu - Source: Libraries
