body art

American  

noun

1. an artistic practice or style of the 1960s and 1970s developing from conceptual art and performance art and utilizing the artist's body as both the subject and object in such experimentation as decoration, wax casts, and even mutilation.

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Other Word Forms

• body artist
  noun

Etymology

Origin of body art

First recorded in 1970–75

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

body art

It was meant to address concerns about hygiene and safety, but the law also played into social norms in a conservative country where body art is still deeply frowned upon.

From BBC ● May 29, 2026

It’s a big deal given his apprehension toward body art.

From Los Angeles Times ● Dec. 23, 2025

A woman who was told her deafness would "be an issue" in becoming a tattoo artist has defied doubters and become the go-to person in her community for body art.

From BBC ● Aug. 21, 2024

Or call it high art to body art.

From Seattle Times ● Jun. 19, 2023

It was a breathtaking piece of body art.

From "Shadowshaper" by Daniel José Older