Tattoos In The Shadows: The Surprising History Of NYC’s Tattoo Studios
The Ban That Changed An Art Form: For much of the 20th century, New York City was famous for its art, music, and fashion. However, one art form was forced to hide in the shadows. Tattooing was illegal in the city from 1961 until 1997. This meant that people who wanted tattoos had to find artists who worked in secret, often in apartments or hidden shops. The reason for the ban was fear about health risks and the spread of disease. At the time, people did not have as much knowledge about how to keep tattooing safe and clean.