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2nd out of 42 books
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7 voters
Modern Primitives: An Investigation of Contemporary Adornment and Ritual
by
V. Vale,
Andrea Juno
Modern Primitives is the Bible of Body Modification, including tattoo, piercing, and scarification. An amazing 30-page interview with Fakir Musafar, as well as in-depth interviews with Ed Hardy, Lyle Tuttle, Leo Zulueta, Bill Salmon, Vyvyn Lazonga and other tattoo giants is featured. This book describes non-tribal people who felt and responded to strong "primitive" urges....more
Paperback, 212 pages
Published
May 1st 1989
by Re/Search Publications
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The RE/Search Journals were my late teen year's version of pop-up books of alternative culture. Each and every one of them were the supreme arbiters of what was cool and imminently subversive. They served as field manual and survival guide to the pre-Net world of unique subcultures that were both dangerous and strangely delicate.
Modern Primitives was the first of the journals I had picked up shortly after reading Gibson's Neuromancer for the first time. The synthesis was a profound one which ev...more
Modern Primitives was the first of the journals I had picked up shortly after reading Gibson's Neuromancer for the first time. The synthesis was a profound one which ev...more
Should be three and a half stars. I enjoyed the fascinating profiles looking into the pierced, tattooed, and overall modified and came away with a new appreciation for the ritual and psychological aspects of being a tattooed person (and one who tattoos others).
I do wish that there had been a little more anthropological narration looking into history and world culture and a bit less interviewing (most of the book seemed composed of interviews).
I do wish that there had been a little more anthropological narration looking into history and world culture and a bit less interviewing (most of the book seemed composed of interviews).
This actually seemed shocking when I first read it. Some how looks pretty tame now, especially having recently seen Genesis P-Orridge on the street in the cold light of day.
1 like · like · see review
In an alternative history of modern culture, this would be like the Book of Mormon, or the Fountainhead, or Dianetics, or something; something that is completely absurd, contradictory to every bit of evidence, immediately dismissed as a bizarre novelty by almost everyone, but so boldly asserted, and so seductive to a certain sensibility, that it becomes central to an ongoing parallel subculture, which slowly, ignored by most, ridiculed by the mainstream, becomes powerful and self-perpetuating ov...more
Not for the week of stomach although much of this is stuff you see on the streets of any major city nowadays.
History of the modern body art/tattooing culture in the U.S.
First time I opened this book it actually revolted me and I had to put it down. I'm still not sure why I bought it a few weeks later. Loved it and inspired me to finally get a temporary tattoo. (The picture and accompanying story of the dude that surgically split his wee wee down the middle is still a little tough to stomach. But it's a great picture to photocopy and include in your Christmas cards to aunts and uncles.)
good book, subject boring to me was the problem.
This book was so important to me when it came out. I was lucky enough to meet and even be tattooed by several of the people in it. It is dated now, but it was wonderful then.
And just look how much Genesis P-orridge has changed since then.
And just look how much Genesis P-orridge has changed since then.
wildly intresting for anyone who is just beginning to look into body modification. there are many more specific books on the subject, but this gives a great overview, interviewing many predominant figures in the body modification circle.
a great coffeetable book of pictures and interviews about some of the most famously modified people out there up to about the early 90's. a must have if you're interested in body modifications.
A great place to start your voyage of self dicovery through body modification.
One of the most influential books I read in my Midwestern youth.
Nov 07, 2007
Chandra Shukla
added it
This book blew me away when it came out...now it seems trite.
great book to have in highschool 8)
Get over it, Burning Man motherfuckers!
If you're into piercing, cutting, tattoos, or body modifications of any other kind, then this is worth your time. The entire Re:Search series is very well done. A cult classic.
May 11, 2013
Angelia Herrin
marked it as to-read
Apr 15, 2013
Alex
marked it as to-read
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Japanese-American writer and publisher. He also played keyboards for the later famous power trio Blue Cheer.
In 1977 he started to publish the punk fanzine "Search and destroy" In 1980, he began publication of RE/Search, a tabloid format zine focusing on various counterculture and underground topics.
RE/Search later became always a format for books, of which Vale is a regular contributor.
More about V. Vale...
In 1977 he started to publish the punk fanzine "Search and destroy" In 1980, he began publication of RE/Search, a tabloid format zine focusing on various counterculture and underground topics.
RE/Search later became always a format for books, of which Vale is a regular contributor.
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“A tattoo is a true poetic creation, and is always more than meets the eye. As a tattoo is grounded on living skin, so its essence emotes a poignancy unique to the mortal human condition.”
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119 people liked it
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Jul 21, 2008 07:52am