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

From Los Angeles Times ● Dec. 23, 2025

Stereotypes of tattoos being only for "inked criminals" and "the unemployed" have gradually become obsolete as body art becomes more mainstream, with everyone from professionals to celebrities proudly displaying their designs.

From BBC ● Aug. 2, 2024

Or call it high art to body art.

From Seattle Times ● Jun. 19, 2023

Mr. Sherland was charged with performing body art on a person under 16 years of age, regardless of parental consent, and for giving his son the piercing without a license.

From Washington Times ● Apr. 24, 2023

It was a breathtaking piece of body art.

From "Shadowshaper" by Daniel José Older