Brian Batista has created a photo series entitled Tattoos and Rescues. This photographic series is meant to help end the stigma that exists towards individuals who have tattoos and rescue animals. In 2012, the photographer, Batista began shooting this photo series.
It is an ongoing collection which displays rescue dogs posing with tattooed individuals and showcases the shared prejudice they face in society. There are a handful of rescue dog owners who have tattoos for their pets – one of them reads ‘Save Them.’ The overall message is to stop judgment and prejudice.
Brian Batista hopes that the results for showing these pictures are positive. He wants to show that rescue animals are not damaged, but can make good pets and that not all individuals who have tattoos are degenerates. This is his way of saying to advocates, rescue workers, and animals that they have a voice in the world.
The Harris poll that was done in 2012 shows that 21 percent of adults have a tattoo. This poll reveals that it is still uncommon or even taboo to have tattoos in the workplace. This is especially the case in hospitals. It has been noted the rescue dogs have been stereotyped in a similar way. They have a reputation of being unhealthy or disorderly.
This is especially the case with pit bulls. Brian Batista feels honored to meet and photograph the individuals and animals who he works with. He hopes that the negative stigma attached to individuals who have tattoos and rescue dogs will soon go away.
