Explore the intimate relationship between nature and personal identity in “Botanical Bodies: How Identity Blossoms on Skin.” This unique showcase features stunning photographs and compelling stories of individuals adorned with botanical tattoos, celebrating the beauty and diversity of plant life as a form of self-expression. As you stroll through the exhibit, you’ll encounter beautiful images that capture the intricate designs of botanical tattoos, each telling a story of connection to nature, heritage, and personal meaning. “Botanical Bodies” invites visitors to reflect on how identity can blossom in unexpected ways, intertwining human experience with the natural world. Join us in this celebration of art, nature, and the stories that shape who we are.

Enjoy the exhibit both in person and online, and learn more about the photographer here!

Acknowledgements: The biggest thank you to Sarah Loomis, Manager of Education, for their endless support of our vision, and the BoGSE Program as a whole. Without her, this exhibit would not be possible. Thank you to the rest of the Botanic Garden staff for their enthusiasm and accommodations which made our ideas come to life, and to Professor Laura Sizer—senior lecturer in philosophy at Mount Holyoke College—who answered our many questions about tattoos and their histories! Finally, “Botanical Bodies” would truly not exist without the labor of tattoo artists around the world. Thank you for bringing stories to life everyday.