THE ART OF BODY PAINTING

 

THE ART OF BODY PAINTING

Body painting events are very popular nowadays.

This act of painting  the body  is a form of body art. Unlike tattoo and other forms of body art, body painting is temporary, painted onto the human skin, and lasts for only several hours, or at most  in the case of “henna tattoo” which is very common nowadays especially in Boracay. Body painting that is limited to the face is known as face painting. This art  is also referred to as (a form of) temporary tattoo; large scale or full-body painting is more commonly referred to as body painting, while smaller or more detailed work is generally referred to as temporary tattoos.

This art has been used for various reasons. Some face painting is used for hunting, religious reasons, and for the military, they do it  as a method of camouflaging.

“Enjoying Henna Tattoo in Boracay”

In the primitive times,  painting the body  using clay and other natural pigments existed in most, if not all, tribalist cultures. This art is a reflection of culture or to show some symbols or status in the community.  In the Philippines, we have the Pintados which is still celebrated in some festivals in the country. Often worn during ceremonies, it still survives in this ancient form among the indigenous people .

“Mimes in Roxas Boulevard”

Clowns and mimes around the world have painted their faces—and sometimes bodies—for centuries and continue to do so today.  In the  famous Boracay and in Roxas Blvd, Manila we can see mimes with painted faces.

“Mudpack Festival”

In Negros Occidental, we have body painting festivals such as Pinta Flores of San Carlos City, highlighting street dancers with a face painted with floral designs and the “Mudpack Festival” of  Mambukal Mountain Resort, Murcia, Negros Occidental wherein colored clays are used to paint the performers.