Breakups are tough phases, marking the end of a once cherished relationship. They are also periods of change leading to new beginnings. And this is inspiration for creative body art. Breakup tattoos are increasingly finding favour with millennials. Singer Zayn Malik recently took to Instagram to share two new tattoos after his split from supermodel Gigi Hadid — one being a large black rose at the back of his neck. Tattoo artists are now creatively exploring the artistic lexicon of breakups, and offering a large catalogue of post-split tattoos — designs that celebrate a new beginning, motifs that reflect the newly single.
Vikas Malani, tattoo artist at Body Canvas, has his own term for breakup tattoos — he considers them motivational tattoos. “Breakup tattoos are often used as a coping mechanism by those going through a rough emotional phase. At times, the clients are so disturbed that they don’t know how to cope with the situation and thus, a visual reminder is more than welcome to keep them motivated and to look out for better prospects in their lives.”
Phrases like ‘This too shall pass’ are popular inkings. Some opt for mandalas — a spiritual symbol representing the universe that reminds them of the abundance of possibility in one’s life. “From caterpillar to a butterfly —positive representations of life is what they ask for. Thus, tattoos aren’t mere fashion statements, they are also motivational and a source of strength for some,” adds Malani.
Zayn Malik’s choice of a massive black rose at the back of his head — a symbol of death or grief — perhaps reflects he is finding ways to grieve. But elaborate designs are not a necessity, feels tattoo artist Rishab Narang, “The smallest icons like a semicolon is what many opt for. A symbol of a pause and not the end of one’s journey.”
However, Sunny Bhanushali, tattoo artist in Mumbai, feels that every customer has a vision of his own. “Clients have their own specific choice of motivational phrases, symbols and icons.”
Tattooing the name of one’s partner is a tricky affair since getting rid of it becomes a post-breakup necessity. Tattoo artists are coming up with alternatives. Rather than going for couple tattoos, Malani advises them to have tattoos that represent their chemistry, the emotional bond that’s unique to them. “Opting for a representational tattoo not only celebrates the relationship but in case of a breakup, one doesn’t have to go through the process of altering it. But as an artist we can only suggest, if one is really insistent on having the names of their partners inked, then we really don’t have a choice,” says Malani.
Narang too tries to avoid couple tattoos. “We have people who are too young to understand the repercussions of having a permanent tattoo. We make it a point to counsel them that a tattoo does not validate their love and if it’s really needed, then they can go for something that depicts their journey at that point of time,” shares Chandigarh-based Narang, who has been in the industry for ten years. “It is no longer a fashion statement or something you opt for due to peer pressure, rather it’s something that reflects one’s personality. And we always try to remind young clients not to opt for something they might regret later in life.”
