Tattoos are commonly used among criminals to show gang membership and record the wearer's personal history—such as his or her skills, specialties, accomplishments and convictions. They are also used as a means of personal expression. Certain designs have developed recognized coded meanings. The code systems can be quite complex and because of the nature of what they encode, the tattoo designs are not widely recognized.
Through handmade craftmanship, multimedia artist Faig Ahmed creatively explores the ornate patterns and traditional designs of Azerbaijan carpets. He draws upon the culture and artistic traditions of the country in order to produce his unique and contemporary sculptures. By directly manipulating the wool, Ahmed transforms iconic carpet designs into modern creations.
A model presents a creation by Chinese designer Hu Sheguang from Sheguang Hu collection at China Fashion Week in Beijing, March 31, 2016. (Photo by Jason Lee/Reuters)
A person waits outside fashion show of designer Marina Hoermanseder at the Berlin Fashion Week Autumn/Winter 2018 in Berlin, Germany, January 18, 2018. (Photo by Hannibal Hanschke/Reuters)
A model slips on the runway while parading an outfit by Australian designer Toni Maticevski at Fashion Week Australia in Sydney on May 15, 2016. (Photo by William West/AFP Photo)
A Chelsea Pensioner poses as he views displays through a floral design of Britain's Queen Elizabeth at the Chelsea Flower Show in London, Britain, May 23, 2016. (Photo by Toby Melville/Reuters)
A model waits to present a creation by Chinese designer Hu Sheguang for his collection show during China Fashion Week S/S 2016 in Beijing October 26, 2015. (Photo by Jason Lee/Reuters)