Body modification has deep roots in Australian culture, stretching far beyond the modern tattoo studio. From the ceremonial markings of First Nations peoples to today’s fine-line masterpieces inked in professional studios, the evolution of body art tells a rich story of identity, expression, and belonging. At Green Lotus Tattoo in Brunswick, we honour this history while pushing the boundaries of artistic expression with every design we create.
Long before body modification became a trend, it was a powerful cultural practice. Aboriginal Australians have a long-standing tradition of body marking, scarification, and ceremonial painting, often used in rites of passage, storytelling, and spiritual rituals. These were not just aesthetic choices—they held deep spiritual and social meaning. While tattooing in the Western sense didn’t exist in traditional Aboriginal practices, the value placed on altering the body as a mark of experience, status, or belief laid the groundwork for how body modification is understood today.
With colonisation came the suppression of many Indigenous customs. European settlers viewed body modification with suspicion or disdain, and traditional practices were pushed aside or erased. It wasn’t until the 20th century that tattooing began to resurface as a visible part of Australian culture, initially associated with sailors, bikers, and rebellion. But as society changed, so did the perception of tattoos. By the 1990s and early 2000s, tattoos were increasingly seen as fashion statements, symbols of empowerment, or personal storytelling.
Studios like Green Lotus Tattoo represent the contemporary era of body modification in Australia—professional, respectful of its roots, and driven by artistic innovation. Located on vibrant Sydney Road in Brunswick, Green Lotus has become a hub for creativity, collaboration, and community. Our artists are trained in a variety of styles, from traditional American and Japanese work to minimalist linework and intricate black-and-grey designs. Every tattoo we create carries a piece of the long journey body modification has taken in Australia—grounded in heritage but elevated through craftsmanship.
Today, body modification is more than a trend—it’s a language. Whether through tattoos, piercings, or other aesthetic choices, Australians continue to use body art as a tool for self-expression, healing, and identity. At Green Lotus, we see every client as part of this ongoing story. Each tattoo is personal, but it also connects to something much bigger: a national tradition of marking life, memory, and meaning on the skin.
The story of body modification in Australia is layered—deeply historical, sometimes interrupted, but always resilient. At Green Lotus Tattoo, we’re proud to contribute to this evolving tradition. With respect for ancient practices and a commitment to contemporary artistry, we help our clients mark their stories in ink, one piece at a time. From traditional roots to modern masterpieces, the body continues to be a powerful canvas—and at Green Lotus, we’re honoured to be part of that journey.