Zombie Boy
Rick Genest, popularly known by fans as Zombie Boy, gained global notoriety due to the extent of his tattooing covering nearly 90% of his body. A model and artist, his skeletal-themed inkwork made such an impression that he will now become part of a permanent exhibit at London’s Science Museum.
Before embarking on his tattoo journey, Rick Genest was diagnosed with a brain tumor and underwent successful surgery and recovery. As he aged, he began covering his body in a skeletal-like appearance, earning the moniker ‘Zombie Boy. Additionally, he had 176 insect tattoos and 139 human bone tattoos, which helped make him a Guinness World Record.
Lady Gaga was among those to publicly express her sorrow upon learning of Rick Genest’s suicide, writing: “Rick Genest (Zombie Boy) passing is heartbreaking and should never have come this far. We mourn with him!”
Rick Genest
Rick Genest, commonly known as Zombie Boy, was an internationally recognized model known for his extensive body inkings. He held multiple Guinness World Records for this feat and featured prominently in Lady Gaga’s “Born This Way. video”
Genest, diagnosed with a brain tumor at age 15, realized his life might be limited and decided to tattoo himself all over. He started with a skull and crossbones tattoo, – but quickly expanded upon this trend, getting more tattoos over time until ninetpercentnt of his body was covered with tattoos. He then began leading an “anarchistic lifestyle,” sleeping rough, squatting, hitchhiking, and immersing himself in Montreal’s punk rock scene. People magazine reported that 32-year-old Andrew died by suicide on Wednesday afternoon at his apartment in Montreal. Family and friends indicated he was happy at the time, having recently become engaged and working on several artistic projects then.
Body Modification
Body modification is any practice that modifies bodily features through tattooing, piercing, scarring, or cutting that alters appearance or identity in some way. These practices help reposition an individual’s sense of themselves within society. Since ancient civilizations began using body modifications for various reasons and purposes, the human body has been an unending canvas upon which to express individual expression and creativity.
Artificial cranial deformation, the tight binding of an infant’s head by adults to cause artificial deformation, is an example of ancient civilizations’ creation of deformed skulls with long and pointed shapes. Another form of body modification includes creating longer necks with heavy brass rings worn around their necks in certain cultures. Foot binding has also been practiced for hundreds of years in China and involves tight binding of young girls’ feet to their bodies.
Body Art
In the 1960s, body art provided an outlet to explore issues surrounding sexuality and gender. By emphasizing physical discomfort and showing it front and center, artists challenged societal expectations by disconcerting audiences with their provocations. Body art often departed from more traditional art-making materials, such as wood, stone, and paint on canvas. Rick Genest, known by many as the “Zombie Boy,” is an enthusiastic body art enthusiast. His tattoos cover around 90% of his body, including eyes and sclera; this work is copyrighted. Rick Genest and FX’s American Horror Story agreed to use some of it in its episodes.
