Signatures of the Soul

New Zealand

• 1984-10-04
• ▪

  Documentary
• ▪ 1h-0m

Tattooing From The Past Until Today

Overview

Tattooing — "the world's oldest skin game" — is the subject of this iconic documentary. Writer/director Geoff Steven scored a major coup by signing Easy Rider legend Peter Fonda as his presenter. Travelling to Aotearoa, Samoa, Japan and the United States, the doco traces key developments in tattooing, including its importance in the Pacific, prison-inspired styles, and the influence of 1960s counterculture. Legendary tattooists feature (including Americans Ed Hardy and Jack Rudy), while the closing credits parade some eye-opening full body tattoos.

• Graham SmithCinematography

  Geoff StevenProducer

  Alf WestEditor

  Geoff StevenDirector

  Piers DaviesProducer

  Geoff StevenWriter