Abbey Rich is a multidisciplinary artist residing in Naarm (Melbourne). Working across canvas, walls, the body and most recently video. Spending most of her days hand poking tattoos, painting murals and developing new ideas for works and recently experimenting with performance.

A few weeks ago we published an article by Maddie Lakos called 'A Guide to Ethical Ink' that covered the cultural history and modern ethics of tattoo. In it, Maddie featured Abbey's new film project.

"Abbey Rich is giving the tramp stamp an artistic, feminist revival by creating a film about it in which she tattoos men – completely nude and unidentified – with a butterfly tramp stamp." – Maddie Lakos, Matters Journal.

In choosing to get tattooed we do not cede ownership of our body to the artist, we are asking to be marked with a story, by a moment in OUR lives. This project is an experiment in changing the dynamic, in bringing these issues to the surface. Making a safe space in the uncomfortable and furthering the conversation about what a privilege it is to be making these marks.

‘He Killed 9000 Butterflies’ is a direct response to this kind of masculine entitlement to feminine things: be it women or butterflies,’ says Madison Griffiths. It is a response to entitlement in both the tattoo and the art world.

One night only, Wednesday 18th of September from 6pm at Goodspace.