Polynesian tattoos are something that has fascinated visitors to the Pacific Islands for centuries and the fascination continues today. The Honolulu Academy of Arts is running an exhibit of images of tattoo culture in Hawaii captured by Jacques Etienne Victoire Arago (1790-1855), the official artist on the French vessel Uranie under the command of Louis de Freycinet. Arago was a prolific artist was the most prolific artist to visit the Hawaiian Islands. During his three week stay he recorded dozens of scenes of daily life, not just tattooing. His graphite-pencil tattoo sketches, however, are some of the more remarkable, showing both traditional Polynesian tattoo styles and the rapidly encroaching Western influence that had begun to spread with the appearance of missionaries from the United States of America in the early 19th century. The exhibit is not to be missed.

When: Through November 6
Where: 900 South Beretania Street (Map) / 808.532.8701
Admission: $7 adults, $4 seniors, military, children under 12 free)

—Alex, 10/13/06