Robert Gumpert 'American Prison Tattoos' Series Gets Skin-Deep

The Robert Gumpert ‘American Prison Tattoos’ photo story is a very captivating piece of work. It goes beneath the surface to explain the meaning behind the ink worn by inmates doing time in the California penal system. The featured images show just a glimpse of Gumpert’s story-telling photos.

Robert Gumpert explains that even though tattoos are a mainstream art form now, it didn't always used to be that way. He states that before they were popular, tattoos were worn by the outcasts of society; people such as sailors and outlaws. The tattoos they had often represented their life journey. Whether you are interested in tattoos, prison culture or just the photography, the Robert Gumpert 'American Prison Tattoos' photo series will not disappoint.