What comes to mind when you think about body paint? Maybe you think of those days at the carnivals or state fair where you could get your face painted into a butterfly or a tiger. Perhaps you think about tattoos, a more permanent type of body paint. The truth is, though, that body paint comes in multiple forms and styles. This art style provides many ways to express yourself by using your own body as the canvas. But before we got to the modern forms of body paint that we see today, where did it get its start? And how did it grow into the art form that we see today? The Beginning Of Body PaintAlthough many may think that body paint is a more recent phenomenon starting in within the past century, its roots are actually much more ancient than that. Body paint in actuality dates back to prehistoric times and is recorded to have been utilized in many African, Asian, European, and Australian cultures for centuries now. We even see records of body painting in early American cultures such as the Native Americans in North America, and many Central and South American cultures. While the pigments and technology of modern day paints were not available during this time, they were able to utilize natural dyes from plants within their region to create the outcome they wanted. From fruits like blackberries to plants like the bright, beautiful saffron to clays and charcoals, they were able to develop yellows, reds, blues, and other hues to decorate their bodies. So they were able to create a wide range of color without the use of modern conveniences. The reasons for their body décor could be for a multitude of events and ceremonies such as:
Every stroke, image, and symbol that was painted on the body held a meaning behind it, which is one of the main differences between modern body painting and its early predecessors. A Modern Look At Body PaintIn more recent years, body painting techniques that entered into the mainstream were less centered around the entire body, and more focused on covering the face and arms. We see this happening with many performers and clowns. It wasn’t until 1933 that utilizing the full body, or even the face, as a canvas for mainstream art and fashion was introduced to modern society at the World's Fair in Chicago. Here, Max Factor Sr. painted his model, Sally Rand, in his new makeup line as a way to promote it. This, of course, was incredibly provocative and an out of the norm technique for many attendees. It's safe to say that painting the entire nude form did not gain popularity and remained an alternative art. On the other hand, face painting did gain some traction as a more mainstream form and was seen on many hippies within the 1960s and 1970s. By painting flowers, peace signs, and other psychedelic symbols on their faces, the hippie movement utilized this art as a way to show their support for their cause. It wasn’t until 1992 that body painting truly made a new name for itself with Demi Moore’s Vanity Fair cover shoot. This controversial cover shoot consisted of Demi Moore completely nude and only covered by artfully done body paint, designed to look like a chic skintight suit. This particular style had not been prevalent in mainstream culture and was all of a sudden brought to the forefront of media artfully and stylishly. With the release of Demi Moore's iconic cover shoot, body paint in this particular style, moved more into the mainstream culture, as a new and alternative form of art. Currently, not only is body paint showcased in its many ways, from smaller parts of the skin being painted like the arms and face. It has also become an art form accepted across the world. Many conventions and art expos, showcasing incredible art pieces on the body have become more popular. Also, TV shows such as Skin Wars, a show highlighting artists who specialize in body painting, has assisted in launching the forms and fashion of body paint into the public in a way that is digestible for mass media. Body paint, though still holds some of the ancient meanings and traditions from centuries before. For example, henna paint is still used in many Egyptian and Indian religious ceremonies and wedding festivities. So while the art has taken on a more modern twist, it has stayed rooted in many of its traditions as well. The Many Types of Body PaintAfter learning all the rich history behind body painting, you may be eager to start dabbling in the art form yourself. Before you get started, let's review some of the different types of paint that can be used. It's essential to do this because while some paints will be excellent for all over body painting, others may be unsafe for more sensitive areas of the skin or general skin types. It’s also important to decipher which paints are specially made for the skin and which are not, so let’s get into some of the main types of paint and some basics about each one. Water-Based Body PaintsWater-based paints are one of the safest if not the most reliable, options for body painting. They are made to be non-toxic, usually non-allergenic, and are easily removed with soap and water. Although this particular type does need more frequent touch-ups and isn't known for being incredibly long-lasting, it is a great option when painting on more sensitive skin types or on pregnant women, as it is made under strict safety guidelines specific for body safety. Alcohol-Based Body PaintsFormerly used for small tattoos on parts of the body, alcohol-based pants have recently been used on the entire body. This particular paint is sweatproof and waterproof, so it stands the test of performances and summer music festivals. You will have to take care of removing this specific type of paint. If the brand does not provide or suggest a remover, rubbing alcohol will work best, just make sure to take your time in removing it. Latex and Oil Based Body PaintsLatex paints and many other oil-based paints are an incredible full-coverage option, especially when wanting to create an eye-catching and highly visual costume or piece of artwork. It's essential to read the details of the paint before applying and also take precaution to remove all body hair before applying latex paint. This is because it functions as a second layer that can cause a painful waxing effect if any hair is left on the body and had been painted over. Cream Based PaintsCream-based makeups have been a must-have in many makeup kits, as they create durable, avant-garde looks without the cracking and wear and tear that sometimes occur with lighter makeup products. A plus to this one is that this one is waterproof and sweat proof like alcohol based paints. Unfortunately, this type of paint never fully dries and often needs to be set with a finishing spray or powder to prevent the artwork from being ruined. HennaHenna paints are actually created from the leaves of a flowering plant that grows in tropical regions within the continents of Africa and Asia. This particular paint has been used as hair dye, body paint, fabric dye, and more. It's most popular use now is to be used as a form of pigment for temporary tattoo designs. While the more common brown henna mixes are natural and leave no harmful effects, black henna is not the same. Although plant-based like brown henna, its pre-made mixes have metal additives that can seep into the skin. This can cause damage if used continuously over a long period. So it’s smart to stay away from black henna. It’s interesting to see the path that body paint has taken. From ancient societies using fruits and plants to paint symbols or ceremonies, to provocative and controversial art pieces, to modern commercial use, it’s an art form that spans many styles and techniques. So whether you are creating a couture work of art or just looking for a fun activity to add to your kid's birthday party, body and face painting is a great way to expand your horizons.
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October 2019
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