Being involved in the music industry with its myriad stereotypes, one would expect Alicia Keys to have tattoos and piercings as an ode to self-expression.
Alicia Keys has been seen with different tattoos or body art on various parts of her body in several of her music videos or movies. These tattoos are reportedly not real and she does not have any permanent visible tattoos.
None of Alicia’s red carpet looks or photographs displayed on her Instagram page have revealed any tattoos.
Temporary Ink
Jacci Gresham, a tattoo artist for over 40 years, said in an episode of “Lifers” on Yahoo Lifestyle, that years ago she drew the design for Alicia Keys’ tattoo but she did not ink the performer.
Several of Alicia Keys’ music videos have shown her with some type of body art or tattoos on various parts of her body.
In her music video “Try Sleeping with a Broken Heart”, a large butterfly-shaped image is featured on her upper back.
She was also photographed at one point with an obvious fake on her lower back pushing people to think for themselves.
Dress Style
By industry standards, Alicia Keys’ dress style is a little more conservative than most. She is not known for dressing in revealing clothes that show a lot of skin.
On the occasions when Alicia Keys shows skin in public, it is usually very tasteful revealing either her midriff, shoulders, or, on some rare moments, a bit of leg.
In none of these instances has she been photographed displaying any tattoos.
Art Influence
Growing up in the gritty New York neighborhood of Hell’s Kitchen, Alicia Keys was no doubt influenced by the art and culture which symbolizes New York.
It is obvious that the art which influenced the Grammy-winning singer, songwriter, philanthropist, and activist was performance art in the form of music.
Tattoo In The Family
Alicia’s husband Swizz Beats has a tattoo of her face on his arm. Alicia has spoken of this as her most favorite gift he has given her.
Tattooing the name or image of a significant other on the skin is usually a very outward display of profound feelings. Celebrities and non-celebrities alike do it.
The expression is not limited to significant others but also extends to children, parents or other loved ones either in celebration of birth, or commemoration of death.
Life Imitating Art
Alicia Keys has released several records empowering women and which have been adopted as de facto anthems for athletes or others enduring some kind of struggle.
No doubt, some of these lyrics are also profound quotes for people looking for inspiration for their first or next tattoo.