Fans of Justin Bieber didn’t know how to react when the singer posted a photo and video of his new full-body tattoo to his Instagram account.
While some Beliebers were wowed by his new ink, others were shocked and even dismayed that they’d never see his actual skin again.
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Bieber, 23, has at least 57 tattoos — and most likely more — but he’s quickly running out of real estate. The new tattoo, which covers his entire abdominal area and torso, extends up to the top of his shoulders. The front of his body is now more of a mural.
The new ink features gargoyles, an eagle, a bear, a lion and a skeleton, among many other things. According to the tattoo artist behind the work, Keith “Bang Bang” McCurdy, it took almost 26 hours to complete.
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It was most certainly a labour of love for McCurdy and Bieber, but fans aren’t so sure what to think about it. While some said it’s his body and he has a right to do whatever he wants, others chastized him for going too far too young.
“We added two angels, one on each side,” said McCurdy. “Below each one, they’re dominating the evil. Whenever I do an epic piece, there needs to be the positive and negative. There needs to be a balance… visually there needs to be contrast. Below each of the angels, there is a demon that needs to be defeated. The skeleton on one side and the serpent on the other.”
It’s not unusual for musicians to have a plethora of tattoos, so Bieber is just the latest in a long line. And McCurdy says that Bieber will be back for more soon.