Lockdown Diary of a Tattoo Artist

The nationwide lockdown due to the outbreak of the global pandemic COVID19 has casted away people from their normal lives. Renowned tattoo artist Moranngam Khaling, popularly known as Mo Naga, too has put a halt on his 'inking' sessions. Mo Naga is one of the only three artists featured in 'The World Atlas of Tattoo' (Yale University Press), which chronicles the work of one hundred leading global tattooists. However, an artist always finds a way to explore his creativity.

- Chirasmrita Devi

Mo, who runs his tattoo studio 'Godna Gram' in Delhi, reached his native village in Manipur just a day before the first phase of nationwide lockdown was announced. He was home quarantined for two weeks. During this quarantine period, Mo curated some interesting and useful ideas to spend this time away from his needle- Backyard farming and mask making. Mo had always been interested in farming and gardening. I have done some balcony gardening with the available resources in my apartment in Delhi as well, said Mo who has been promoting Naga tattoo art and culture through his work since a long time. The lockdown period provided him with the opportunity to come closer to his passion of farming which is a great option to practice social distancing and become more self-sufficient.Seeing the condition of people stranded in different parts of the country, I feel extremely grateful to have reached my home before the lockdown. I keep wondering what would have happened if I had got stuck in Delhi or even in a hotel room in Guwahati. Hence, I wanted to utilize this time that I have been gifted with, said a grateful Mo.