Perseverance.  a word not used lightly.  a characteristic that comes with age.  an idea that is too much for many. a thought that needs a culture behind it.

The Japanese American National Museum in Little Tokyo, Los Angeles will hold the exhibition PERSEVERANCE – Japanese Tattoo Tradition in a Modern World.  this exhibition opens March 8th and continues until September 14, 2014.

below is an description of the event taken from the stateofgrace sanjose youtube channel.
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“PERSEVERANCE will investigate and showcase the breathtaking artistry of the Japanese Tattoo through the works of over 30 of the world’s leading contemporary tattoo artists.

The exhibition will also include Don Ed Hardy, Colin Horisou Baker, Stan Corona, Espi, Chris Garver, Jeff Gogue, Regino Gonzales, Jill Horiyuki Halpin, Tim Hendricks, Horikazu 4, Horikiku, Horitoshi Family Horizakura, Timothy Hoyer, Jakoh, Henning Jorgensen, Brian Kaneko, Robert Klem, Chad Koeplinger, Adrian Lee, L.A. Horitaka, Lil’ Tokyo Jiro, Sulu’ape Steve Looney, Chris O’Donnell, Chuey Quintanar, Kahlil Rintye, Stewart Robson, Mike Rubendall, Evan Skrederstu, Small Paul, Luke Stewart, The Grime, Tomo, and Dan Wysuph.
For updates about this exhibition, check Kip Fulbeck’s Facebook page for the show: facebook.com/JANMTattooShow

Photo exhibition by Kip Fulbeck
Museum exhibition curated by Takahiro Kitamura
Film directed by John Agcaoili
Additional footage by Jon Ugto, Roger Barrera, and Chris Brand
Assisted by Nicole Szeto and Jayne Chen

Special thanks to Phase One Camera Systems and Mamiya”
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Japanese tattooing is strange social animal, revered and feared cyclically for ages.  it now seams to wear two faces, one face in Japan, and one face abroad.  in Japan it is on the whole taboo, with many people shunning it, some people appreciating it, and but a few trying to keep this traditional art alive.

be are some of the videos for “PERSEVERANCE”.  please watch, and if you are in LA please go to this exhibition, and most importantly, even if you don’t think highly of tattoos, please…please…please hold on to the traditions that came before you.