RISD Tattoo Program Controversy: Adam Krueger’s Fascist Sexism

Women lead the tattoo industry, spending more on tattoo art collections than men as of March 2012 (Harris Poll). The Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) recently launched the world’s first arts university tattoo program, selecting the relatively unknown Adam Krueger as its first “tattoo professor.”

This page documents the controversial secret New York tattoo shop exhibition linked to Krueger’s appointment—artworks that many in the tattoo industry and academic community have condemned as misogynist and unfit for higher education. Krueger is not a tattooer at the high profile SoHo shop and secured the exhibition in a tattoo supply deal with the SoHo operation in anticipation of the lucrative RISD program.

Photos and commentary provide context for why this RISD tattoo program under Krueger has sparked outrage, raising questions about representation, integrity and the future of tattooing in academia.

Krueger's life-sized self-portrait sexualizing a fully nude, faceless woman that was hung above and active tattoo work area used for breast cancer patients. — Full frontal and faceless: the work area used for paramedical tattooing for breast cancer patients.

This faceless, topless, life-sized, middle-aged woman covered in nipples and hung with demeaning “award” ribbons was positioned directly opposite the front entrance in full view of every client who walked into the SoHo tattoo studio. Artists have no choice in what is hung in their work stations by the absent owners.

“No Dice” Adam Krueger’s bloody tampon and wire hanger display hung in the VIP section of the tattoo studio.

Highly detailed drawing of violent abortion tools created by Adam Krueger who has a young son. — Unwanted pregnancy: highly detailed depictions of violent abortion tools created by new father Adam Krueger

Closeted suggestions: Adam Krueger etchings depicting an escape key, a spring-loaded trap and a man bent over and blowing — Rage from the closet: Adam Krueger etchings depicting an escape key, a spring-loaded trap and a bent-over male in psuedo fellatio.

A shorn, topless depiction of the mother of Krueger's child depicted as "nursing" her bread — A shorn, topless depiction of the nursing mother of Krueger's child taking care of her “bread.”

Flaccid faker: a life-sized sex doll courtesy of Krueger. — Flaccid faker: a life-sized deflated sex doll hung above another public work station.

Krueger’s misogyny on display throughout the tattoo workspace staffed primarily by women, most of whom are vulnerable foreign nationals who fear retaliation from the shop owners.