For many women, domestic violence leaves more than just a mental legacy—it produces indelible scars. While doctors often do their best to clean up the damage, their work (especially given the costs) can only go so far. That’s why Brazilian tattoo artist Flavia Carvalho decided to provide free tattoos to any women who’ve been victims of domestic violence, hoping to turn these violent reminders into real, empowering, art.
Known as “A Pele de Flor” (the skin of the flower), the artist has spent the past two years working on the project. While her focus has been on DV victims, she also provides tattoos free of charge to women who’ve undergone masechtomies. In an interview with The Huffington Post, Carvalho revealed:
“They contact me from all over the country, as well as from abroad. They come to the studio, share their stories of pain and resilience, and they show me their scars. Embarrassed, they cry, and hug me. Then we design the tattoo and we schedule the session. They become excited, optimistic. It is wonderful to see how their relationship with their bodies changes after they get the tattoos … They now post pictures in dresses, and they look happy, changed. It is transformative.”
Many of Carvhalo’s victims have been victims not only of domestic violence, but of gun violence. She is one of a few female tattoo artists in Brazil, and her work, she hopes, will catch on. Take a look at some of her transformative art either below or here on her Facebook.
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