We started this platform to cultivate hope with stories of people and places around the world that are resisting the violent, oppressive systems we live in.
Today, we're launching a new series to continue delivering on this mission: 5 Questions With.
In our first installment, meet Karen Oosterhoff, aka @insacioustattoo, a Brighton-based handpoke tattoo artist using her talent and platform to raise funds for Gaza.
I’d like to see the world move past the colonial mindset we inherited.
Since starting this project, Karen has raised and donated over $15,000 directly to Palestinian families who are able to purchase and distribute what little supplies come in (food, baby formula, hygiene products, cooking supplies, and rent/shelter) with the funds.
Keep reading to learn more about Karen and how you can support her project.
1. Please tell us a little about yourself.
I’m a queer artist and tattooist based in Brighton, where I run my own tattoo studio and create prints, products, and apparel from my apartment.
I specialise in minimal, abstract, and organic shapes, with a simple and playful feel. To me, tattoos are an act of self-care, a way to feel more comfortable in your body, and an opportunity to express yourself.
I’m originally from the Netherlands, but I currently live with my partner and our four cats in Brighton, a seaside town in the south of England, known for its vibrancy and LGBTQIA+ community.
2. What is Get Tattooed for Palestine?
I started this project in May, as part of a local Palestine fundraising event organised by one of my clients. She asked if I could create a “pop-up” tattoo studio in the back of the shop to help raise funds, and this prompted me to create the designs that are now the base of this project. The turnout for the fundraiser was incredible, so I decided to keep tattooing them.
For every design I tattoo, I donate £10 to Palestinian families. The vast majority of my work is now dedicated to the Palestine designs.
In fact, I’m struggling to find time for all the requests I receive.
My original Instagram post featuring these designs got a lot of traction, and I received many messages from people abroad, asking if they could somehow get them tattooed locally.
I had seen other artists offer “tattoo passes,” so I created one that could be bought via my website. Clients buy the design(s) of their choice and then book an appointment with their local tattoo artist. I donate 80% of the pass proceeds to families in Gaza.
The project has been getting more and more attention, and there is now a growing group of tattoo artists from all over the world who are explicitly participating and promoting it on their social media.
Images courtesy Karen Oosterhoff
3. If you could change one thing about the world, what would it be?
I’d like to see the world move past the colonial mindset we inherited. It informs our political and belief systems, and I consider it a root cause of the genocide in Gaza, as well as other injustices around the world.
It’s about time we truly respect all of humanity, and I believe it’s well within our capacity to do so.
4. What do resistance and solidarity look like for you?
Charity and humanitarianism, however well-intentioned, often perpetuate a savior/victim power dynamic. (I actually wrote my master's dissertation on this and find it really interesting!)
I prefer the concept of solidarity: standing with people, providing them with the opportunity to share their voice rather than speaking for them, and giving them what they need to support and liberate themselves as they see fit.
When I think of resistance, I think about resisting oppressive power structures together, not on behalf of someone, and promoting freedom with no strings or conditions.
5. What gives you hope?
This project gives me hope!
Despite widespread public criticism, political leaders and mainstream media continue to support Israel’s actions in Gaza, and it can seem like no one cares.
However, this project has shown me just how many people will support Palestine when given a channel to do so. I’ve met so many wonderful people, and I am continuously around humans who care about Gaza.
The fact that people worldwide got symbols of Palestinian solidarity tattooed (and raised funds for Palestine in the process) means a lot.
There is a global community linked by these designs, and it brings me so much joy to think about how they’re connected and wonder if one day they might meet and recognize each other's tattoos.
Radostina Boseva is our Founding Member
Radostina Boseva is a film wedding photographer with an editorial flair based in San Francisco.
Member discussion