“Cybersigilism” is a neologism. This word is derived from “sigil,” a magical symbol, and “cybernetics.” The cybersigilistic tattoo is characterized by pointed, notched patterns and abstract shapes. Often performed on the hip bone, in the lower back or on the inner side of the arm. This tattoo, which recalls the tribal of the 90s and 2000s, counts among its followers the singers Dua Lipa, Billie Eilish, Grimes and Phoebe Bridgers.
In Switzerland, for example, the trend very early aroused the interest of Rebecca Meyer, a tattoo artist from Lucerne, better known as Coco Jambo Ink. “I am passionate about abstract designs. It’s interesting to adapt the tattoo to the curves of the body to highlight the anatomy,” explains the artist. “It doesn’t work as well with an animal head or something like that,” assures the pro. According to her, beauty lies in the mixture of organic shapes and futuristic details. “Cybersigilism aims to combine the modern digital lifestyle with natural elements.”
For Rebecca Meyer, it’s all about fashion. “While for the last ten years we were still talking about 2000s trash, it’s cool again to wear things like low-rise jeans and Y2K tops.” According to her, tattoos are a matter of aesthetics, just like accessories and hairstyles. Proof of this is the return of the tribal tattoo on the lower back.
Speaking of comeback, the symbols are undeniably reminiscent of the tribals of the 2000s who, shortly after being at the forefront of fashion, very quickly became a source of embarrassment. Will cyber security suffer the same fate in a few years? Rebecca Meyer does not rule it out. “Everything that was once fashionable and considered cool very quickly ends up no longer being so. Even if the aesthetics still please. That said, because tattoos are something so individual and unique, I think there’s a much greater chance that we’ll like them for life.
Agata Haindl is optimistic: “At the time, everyone had a tribal tattoo, just to have one. Cybersigilistic tattoos have a very specific target group, who are very conscious of their style. I don’t think many will regret these designs. For me, the risk of this happening is greater with ‘fineline’ tattoos, which are aimed at a wider audience,” she believes.
Rebecca Meyer has her own technique for creating cybersigilistic tattoos. While many artists sketch or create them after first contacting the client, she prefers the client to be fully involved in the design phase of the drawing.
“I take a photo of the part of the body where the client wants to have a tattoo before making a sketch of the tattoo on my iPad, so as to perfectly align the design on the body.” Nowadays, most symbols no longer have the magical meaning they did back then. “Today, this type of tattoo is primarily requested for aesthetic purposes and to express a personal style,” she explains.
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