Beyond The Flesh

Beyond The Flesh is an archival project and traveling museum exhibition dedicated to the permanent preservation of tattoos as historical artifacts. Founded by tattoo artist Peter Bogdanov, the project operates on the premise that tattoos are not merely images applied to the skin, but are works of art inextricably linked to the life, labor, and experiences of the person who wore them. Instead of treating tattoos as ephemeral designs that vanish upon a person's death, this project secures custodial agreements to preserve the skin itself. These works are conserved through a specialized post-mortem process that allows them to be displayed as lasting documentation of human identity. Some pieces are even prepared as three-dimensional artifacts, such as preserved limbs mounted on armatures, allowing the viewer to see how the art existed in life, wrapping around the volume of a human form rather than being flattened for a display case. The project aims to restore tattooing to its place within art history by honoring the life-long commitment required to carry such permanent marks.