Deconstruction Of Female Tattoo Artists From A Postmodern Feminist Perspective

Abstract

This research analyzes women's resistance against sexism and stereotypes in the context of the tattoo artist profession in Indonesia. In a society where patriarchal culture remains strong, women often face symbolic discrimination and social stigma that hinder their freedom of expression and professional mobility. Using a qualitative approach and Jacques Derrida’s deconstruction theory, this research unpacks hidden meanings in language and discourse that shape stereotypes against women, particularly in the tattoo art industry. Deconstruction enables a rereading of gender constructions that have long reinforced male dominance in various sectors, including art and culture. Furthermore, this study draws on post-feminism and postmodernism perspectives to examine how female tattoo artists not only challenge traditional norms but also reconstruct their identities within the framework of individual freedom, agency, and gender fluidity. Post-feminism highlights how women are no longer merely objects of resistance against patriarchy but actively redefine their roles and existence in public spaces. Meanwhile, postmodernism provides an understanding that identity and social meanings are fluid and negotiable, allowing female tattoo artists to renegotiate their positions in society through artistic expression and social actions. The findings reveal that, despite facing resistance from conservative communities, female tattoo artists in Indonesia have successfully carved out their own existential space by demonstrating professional competence, artistic skills, and engagement in positive social activities. Their resistance against sexism is not only expressed through the rejection of stereotypes but also through strategies of identity reconstruction and the creation of new meanings within their profession. This study contributes to gender, art, and cultural studies by offering new perspectives on how women can deconstruct social boundaries and create space for diverse gender expressions in the contemporary era.