This must be the world’s first transaction of its kind - the selling of a tattoo while still on its owner's body. Tim Steiner sports an elaborate tattoo of the Virgin Mary on his back which he sold to Zurich gallery owner Jutta Nexdorf for 150,000 Euros or about $218,000.
The tattoo was designed by Belgian artist Wim Dalvoye and took 35 hours to create. The new owner plans to exhibit the tattoo three times a year. When Steiner dies, the tattoo would be handed over to its owner.
The first exhibitions of the tattoo (and Steiner) will in Singapore and Shanghai next week.
The video shows Steiner as a German talk show guest - at the very end, he takes off his shirt to show off the tattoo.
Selling Tattooed Skin
Virgin Mary Tattoo on Man's Back Sells for $218,000
Trend Themes
1. Tattoo Art Memorabilia - The trend in selling tattooed skin presents an opportunity to disrupt the art memorabilia industry by creating a new niche for collectors interested in possessing unique tattoos.
2. Body as a Canvas Business Model - Tattoo artists can tap into the trend of selling tattooed skin by creating a new business model offering customizable tattoos that can be sold when the owner dies.
3. Tattoo-monetization Craze - Selling tattooed skin can spark an innovative craze where people start monetizing their tattoos by selling them for a profit.
Industry Implications
1. Art Memorabilia - The tattooed skin trend can disrupt the art memorabilia industry by introducing a new product line that appeals to a niche group of collectors.
2. Tattoo Industry - The trend of selling tattoos while they are still on the owner's body can be an opportunity for tattoo artists to offer unique and expensive designs for clients willing to pay for future resale value.
3. Auction Houses - The selling of tattooed skin can disrupt the auction industry and become a new auction category that appeals to a diverse group of bidders looking for rare and one-of-a-kind pieces.