I've done a ton of research on Russian criminal/prison tattoos, and yes, they really do have this much! However, it's a fading art form: those who are in prison have stopped getting them, as they are unsure what they will do about it (hiding it, removing it, etc) once they get out of prison.
Here's some clips from my favorite documentary, Alix Lambert's Mark of Cain: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uEyFBrjoe9g
some photos: http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d144/reekay/russian%20prison%20tattoos/ru-2.jpg
http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d144/reekay/russian%20prison%20tattoos/ru-4.jpg
http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d144/reekay/russian%20prison%20tattoos/20.jpg
http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d144/reekay/russian%20prison%20tattoos/15.jpg
pretty fascinating stuff!
This is just a study/quick sketch idea of what Ivan's might look like. This is also probably the last of Ivan for a while.
Comments
engle Says:
D:
I love you.
Russian crime tattoos are my favorites.