For many servicemen and women, the battle is over, but the ink lives on. Thousands have chosen to commemorate their military service through tattoos, a custom as old as war paint itself. Yet military tattoos go far beyond the usual anchor and eagle clichés, and are often as complex and varied as the military experience. For the first time, documentary photographer Kyle Cassidy has sought out veterans who marked their military service with a tattoo and they are shown here in all their glory: fresh, faded, sometimes intertwined with wounds, physical and otherwise. And the stories behind these tattoos, both conventional and surprising, are just as engaging. In a transient world, with shifting enemies, mores, leaders, and friends, this is a testament to the values of a permanent commemoration. The unique journey into each soldier s story will captivate you. Not only is this book a great resource for history and military buffs, but it is also a great reference for tattoo artists.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
By Paul Bagosy
Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase
Regardless of your stance on tattoos or the armed forces, this book is immediately powerful. It's not about ink or veterans so much as it is about the stories that people have to tell. In War Paint, Kyle Cassidy isn't trying to make a statement or advance an agenda, he's just asking to hear people's stories, listening to what they have to say, and using his lens to illustrate.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
Over the last few years, I've developed an interest in tattoo art (some of you know why). When I saw the publication announcement for War Paint, the concept immediately intrigued me: photos of tattoos on military personnel by one of the best pros around, and the stories behind the art. It's always interesting to hear why people get the tats they choose.
Publishing the book on Memorial Day really made sense, too. It was already on my list of books to buy "one day"-and it kept moving up. When I realized that Kyle Cassidy was going to be speaking at Moonstone Arts Center in Philadelphia in just a few weeks, it motivated me to order a copy now-so I could get it inscribed.
In due course War Paint arrived, and I put it down next to the computer to log it in to the library system. Big mistake. The colorful cover images are mesmerizing, enticing you to pick up the book and leaf through it. So I did. I read a few of the stories, and finally put it down and did some work. Then I picked it back up and read some more. The book is positively insidious, sucking you in with beguiling images when you should be working!
Only buy this book if you're actually interested in reading it, because it will sneak up on you and insist that you look inside. It's full of well-taken photos paired with fascinating stories--incredible insights into the men and women that defend our country.
It gives the armed forces names and faces and makes them people you know and understand. It makes history personal.
Recommended for anyone who appreciates tattoo art and/or likes hearing "old war stories." It also makes a lovely gift.
Publishing the book on Memorial Day really made sense, too. It was already on my list of books to buy "one day"-and it kept moving up. When I realized that Kyle Cassidy was going to be speaking at Moonstone Arts Center in Philadelphia in just a few weeks, it motivated me to order a copy now-so I could get it inscribed.
In due course War Paint arrived, and I put it down next to the computer to log it in to the library system. Big mistake. The colorful cover images are mesmerizing, enticing you to pick up the book and leaf through it. So I did. I read a few of the stories, and finally put it down and did some work. Then I picked it back up and read some more. The book is positively insidious, sucking you in with beguiling images when you should be working!
Only buy this book if you're actually interested in reading it, because it will sneak up on you and insist that you look inside. It's full of well-taken photos paired with fascinating stories--incredible insights into the men and women that defend our country.
It gives the armed forces names and faces and makes them people you know and understand. It makes history personal.
Recommended for anyone who appreciates tattoo art and/or likes hearing "old war stories." It also makes a lovely gift.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase
It matters not whether you are interested in tattoos or the armed forces - you will be fascinated by War Paint. Kyle Cassidy reminds us that stories are about people, and people are their stories. His photos are never consciously arty, nor are they sentimental - they are the creations of an honest artist with great technique and a humane sensibility. He distills the stories of his subjects to the essence, with just a touch of humor. Kyle wants you to care about and honor people and their memories, and this caring shines through on every page. This book will make your life better.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase
It's about time this topic was given the attention it deserves, and Kyle Cassidy is the photographer to do it. Next to his sensitive portraits, our military veterans speak for themselves. An impressive achivement. Bravo!
By M. Gula
Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase
Once again, Kyle Cassidy has nailed it! He has captured the true spirit of his subjects in their photographs and allowed them to tell their stories. These stories are now preserved in his subjects own words. This book was so good, I bought it twice, once for myself and as a gift for a friend. You will not be disappointed!
Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase
A book that is at once a brutal look at men who've been to war and come back and a fascinating text about what they did and why they got their tattoos. None of the ones illustrated in this very finely done volume were the product of a drunken night and an available tatttoo parlour. This is deeply personal and shows the loyalty of men not only to whatever the cause was but their fellows service with them, the places and things on which and in which they served and suggest a grim back story that cannot quite be told but can be renedered in ink and put on their bodies for all to see. The casual observer will only see a tattoo, now grown a bit old, a bit faded but they will miss the intensity of the experience that led to the owner acquiring this piece of very personal art. The men here are not young, their bodies have been used and the ink has drifted as has time but their intent is clear and we are grateful to have this book to show us what meaning tattoos have when the wearer has an emotional investment in his design.
By Mary Gaughan
Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase
Kyle Cassidy unlocks the stories of these veterans through the simple act of asking about their tattoos. The photographs capture their individuality in a respectful but honest light. One learns about the day to day experiences of the soldiers and sailors which include an equal measures of boredom and danger. The lost friends, wild antics, professionalism, pride and loyalty shine out from these words and images. These fascinating American portraits give me new appreciation for those who have served and has prompted me to ask strangers about their tattoos.
By hrobinson57
Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase
Very interesting & hard to put down. Being a Navy vet I've got some ink too. I bought 2 to share one with a friend. Amazon's price, and speed of delivery great as always.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Wonderful!
I loved these pictures, and this book is fantastic! Really brought these men into my heart. Our soldiers are ourselves and I embrace each and every one. My father was a U.S. Read more
Published 10 months ago by Samaire Provost
5.0 out of 5 stars
True Art!
Kyle Cassidy was able to capture his subjects in such an amazing & heartfelt manner! From the more recently enlisted to the seasoned Veterans, their stories behind their body art... Read more
Published 12 months ago by Lin Zacamy
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