From stigma to symbol, tattoos emerge as a powerful mark of Vietnamese patriotism, with Duene Ink Studio leading the way in transforming cultural pride into stunning works of art.
Nestled in a serene alley of Dong Da District, Hanoi, Duene Ink Studio has become a familiar name within the artistic tattoo community over the past three years. Different from the conventions of traditional tattoo parlors, often characterized by dark tones and bold artwork, the studio stands out with its modern, vibrant ambiance and refreshing use of natural lighting. Renowned for its mastery of realistic tattoos and doodle art, Duene strives not only to solidify its position within the community but also to pursue an even greater vision.
Duene’s special patriotic tattoo campaigns
Duene has undertaken various campaigns during the course of its operation, the most noteworthy of which are centered around patriotic themes. The designs, featuring symbols like the Vietnamese flag, national landmarks, or famous lines from Vietnam’s traditional literature, showcase the unique ways today’s youth connect with their cultural heritage and national pride.
The vision of an artist
Stush, the founder of Duene with three years of experience in the tattoo industry and nine years working in the art community, explains that the patriotic-themed campaigns were inspired by Tiktok’s rapid rise in popularity in Vietnam. In his opinion, "TikTok is approving a lot of content that can distort people’s knowledge of history". Stush worries that the younger generation is easily influenced by misleading information, and in an era where short-form content dominates the internet, they rarely spend the time to confirm its authenticity. Therefore, Stush believes that “starting a few projects to support our country is the right thing to do”.
Reminiscing about his journey exploring Vietnamese culture, Stush shares that its traditions and heritage have been a part of his life since childhood. "I grew up in Ba Đình district, there are quite a few historical sites in the area, and I’ve been told many stories [about our culture] from the elders in my family ever since I was a kid", he recalls. These experiences have shaped the ideas for his work: “Since Vietnam is the main subject in our campaigns, it’s natural that what emerged always came from an intimate and authentic perspective on our homeland's culture”.
The people’s approval
The tattoo shop’s campaign promoting patriotic tattoos has garnered significant support from the community, especially among young people. While the initiative has received widespread encouragement, it has also faced some criticism from certain dissenting groups online, including those with anti-state or divisive agendas.
However, such opposition has only strengthened the resolve of tattoo artists to continue their craft. They see this as an opportunity to not only pursue their passion but also contribute positively to society by spreading patriotic values and fostering a sense of unity among the younger generation.
Overflown with creative inspirations
Through these projects, the tattoo studio has brought to life many diverse tattoo ideas and designs chosen by young individuals to express their patriotic love. Campaigns such as tattooing the national emblem to display national pride through intricate designs, tattooing ancient scripts to revive the beauty of traditional culture, and even tattooing To Hoai's literature to establish a link between tattoo art and Vietnamese literary works have received a lot of attention and support. These campaigns not only highlight Duene's distinct style but also promote Vietnamese cultural values.
This creativity not only reflects a shift in societal perceptions of tattoos but also inspires the studio to develop more innovative patriotic-themed designs in the future, fostering a deeper sense of national identity among the younger generation.
A canvas for National Pride
Tattoos have often been regarded negatively, seen as a form of rebellion or a sign of poor judgment. However, the emerging trend among youth to embrace symbolic tattoos as expressions of patriotism is reshaping this perception.
With this new wave of body art, tattoos are increasingly viewed as a positive and creative outlet for personal and national identity. As individuals proudly display their love for their country through meaningful designs, society begins to recognize tattoos not just as marks on the skin but as powerful statements of pride and belonging.
Duene's projects have garnered significant attention from young people, showcased in the growing number of clients seeking tattoos featuring iconic symbols of Vietnam’s provinces and the country. Beyond that, these campaigns demonstrate a remarkable ripple effect, extending their influence not only within the tattoo community but also inspiring creativity across other artistic fields, contributing to honoring the value of national culture through a creative lens.
If more projects that combine tattoo artistry with a love for homeland and culture are brought into action, Vietnam's tattoo culture could enter a transformative era. Such initiatives would not only elevate societal recognition, redefining tattoos as a meaningful art form but also ignite a sense of national pride both in the youth as well as the older generation. This promises to make tattoo art an indispensable part of expressing modern cultural identity.
Ancient Vietnamese tattooing dates back to the late 13th and early 14th century - around 2000 to 3000 years ago, and is deeply rooted in old mythology and traditions. Although today’s generation no longer maintains the custom, we can still catch a glimpse of this centuries-old practice through the elders of a few ethnic groups located in Vietnam’s Western Highlands. The Cơ tu people, a minor community in Kontum province, bear intricate designs of lines, vines, and curves across their cheeks and forehead. |
What is your opinion on combining traditional Vietnamese symbols with modern tattoo styles?
It creates unique and meaningful art.
It can dilute the traditional significance.
It depends on the execution.
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