The Tattoo Tale

Khmika Kanlayakon Chantarat

khmika.space@gmail.com / www.khmika.space

Being in prison is like having a permanent tattoo: it's either visible on your skin or hidden like a mark on their heart, unseen. Entering prison marks them, but it doesn't take away their value as a human. In prison, tattoos often symbolize identity, convictions, and resilience, reflecting the bearer's life and challenges. Prison tattoos can be seen as badges of survival. However, outside these marks can lead to judgment and social exclusion, complicating reintegration, carrying a heavy stigma outside the bars. 

For many, these indelible marks become barriers to reintegration, a constant reminder of a past that haunts their present and dims their future. The stigma associated with prison tattoos reinforces cycles of rejection and recidivism, underscoring the need for understanding and support to break this cycle and aid rehabilitation.

We embark on a journey of hope, humanity, and redemption, exploring the transformative power of time-based media and design in the lives of formerly incarcerated individuals through our 9-minute film. We aim to serve as a catalyst for change, inspiring prisoners to embrace their journey towards redemption and renewal.