Day 1, Magnus lets go of Anything, ink on hosho paper, 37 x 25cm, 2014
Day 3, Natascha lets go of Yesterday, ink on hosho paper, 37 x 25cm, 2013
The Letting Go is an ongoing performance project that integrates self-awareness, tattooing and photography. As part of the exhibition TATTOO, Australian artist Natascha Stellmach invites visitors to participate in a unique experience with her, which begins with the question, “What would you like to let go of?”
In a semi-public performance and through a one-to-one enquiry with Natascha, a personal obstacle is identified, named and inscribed on the body of a participant with a tattoo machine, but without ink (bloodline tattoo). The tattoo is then photographed and the participant is requested to reflect on the process over the days and weeks thereafter, as the wound heals and the word slowly disappears. Natascha encourages this self-reflection in the form of selfies and/or text – and for the participant to share this with her as part of the project.
I actually like the tattoo so much I wish it would stay. Anais, Berlin
The horror of having that word scrawled above my ass forever gave me a much-needed kick. It’s more than the fear though – I named my problem. Natascha helped me. Lily, Melbourne
This public performance took place on Saturday, 25 July and Sunday, 26 July 2015 from 10 am to 6 pm, in the Museum für Kunst & Gewerbe Hamburg.
More images, participant selfies & press: THE LETTING GO
NATASCHA STELLMACH 