NEEDLES & PINS

Viceland presented viewers with a unique and unconventional series titled "Needles & Pins" in 2017. This enveloping and impressionable show is an exploration into the vast and expansive world of tattoos, body art, and tattoo culture. Its fascinating premise is a clear demonstration of Viceland's dedication to producing content that offers deeper insights into the less mainstream aspects of global culture.

The show's host, Grace Neutral, a passionate tattoo enthusiast, and practicing artist working in the United Kingdom, drives "Needles & Pins" with her engaging personality and distinct perspective on body art. Grace is not just any presenter investigating a theme; she is intrinsically connected to the subject matter. Her own body, vibrantly adorned with multiple tattoos and much more, shares a visual narrative of her life and passions. Her personal interest in the subject matter resonates throughout each episode, making the series much more than just another reality show; it is a docket of one woman's exploration of her shared interest with millions of other body art followers worldwide.

"Needles & Pins" spans several episodes, each offering a dive into various tattoo cultures and communities across different countries. The journey begins in Grace’s native UK before expanding into other locations across the globe, such as Japan, New Zealand, the United States, and more. In each locale, the viewers are introduced not only to the unique body art, but also to the dense histories, societal attitudes, cultural significance, and rituals associated with tattooing.

One compelling aspect of the show is its focus on the bold, the brave, and the taboo. The series covers several integral aspects of tattoo culture, notably the timeless needle and ink technique and its evolution over time while highlighting the persecution that tattoo artists and wearers had to endure.

From looking at the origins of unnecessary regulations and stereotypes encountered by the tattoo culture in the United Kingdom to understanding the traditional and symbolic body art in indigenous Maori community in New Zealand, Grace comprehensively talks about every perspective of the tattoo world. In an episode based in the United States, Grace meets war veterans suffering from PTSD who convert their traumatic experiences into powerful body ink narratives, suggesting the healing aspects of body art.

"Needles & Pins" does not shy away from uncovering some raw, gritty, and emotional facets of the industry. It probes into the intricacies of prison tattoos and the potential risks related to unregulated body art. It also demystifies the brave world of extreme body modifications through the experiences of those who have ventured into realms beyond normative standards of beauty and aesthetics.

The cinematography of the series further enhances the show’s appeal, capturing not just the tactile process of tattooing or the vibrant colors of the body ink but also the emotive responses of the individuals under the needle. The editing is crisp and engaging, ensuring that the pacing of the show never lulls, keeping viewers invested in its explorative journey.

The show also portrays the ever-evolving dynamics of the industry, as Grace engages in dialogues with tattoo artists who challenge the pre-established societal norms and permanently showcase their creativity on the human body. The series puts into perspective how the tattoo industry accomodates and encourages diversity and individual expression in the contemporary world.

"Needles & Pins" doesn't merely scratch the surface of a subject that is often marred by stigma and misinterpretation, it delves deeper, shifting the popular perception of tattoos from a sign of rebellion to a symbol of personal identify and artistic expression. The show is a tribute to the unspoken and unheard stories of the tattoo world, both of the artists and the bearers, and portrays body art as an exemplary form of non-verbal communication that transcends linguistic and cultural barriers.

In summary, while taking the audience on a riveting round-trip of the world, "Needles & Pins" opens up a fascinating dialog around tattoos, body modification, and personal expression of art and identity. The show's audience doesn't stay confined to just tattoo enthusiasts, it lures in anyone willing to invest in a captivating journey of art, culture, history, and personal narratives.