body art

noun

1. an artistic practice or style of the 1960s and 1970s developing from conceptual art and performance art and utilizing the artist's body as both the subject and object in such experimentation as decoration, wax casts, and even mutilation.

Other Words From

• body artist noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of body art¹

First recorded in 1970–75

Example Sentences

A woman who was told her deafness would "be an issue" in becoming a tattoo artist has defied doubters and become the go-to person in her community for body art.

From BBC

Previous policy was for officers to conceal all tattoos and body art, according to the department.

From Los Angeles Times

Stereotypes of tattoos being only for "inked criminals" and "the unemployed" have gradually become obsolete as body art becomes more mainstream, with everyone from professionals to celebrities proudly displaying their designs.

From BBC

In a video, the museum said it took artists 10 days to re-create the details of Johnson’s intricate body art.

From Los Angeles Times

Gesturing to cartoon tattoos that cover the left side of her body, she says she wanted to give people who mocked her something to look at, but eventually, the body art became meaningful to her.

From Los Angeles Times