The former professor transitions into the craft of tattooing with a focus on radical political iconography.
Shellyne Rodriguez, the former CUNY professor who gained national attention following a series of controversial public incidents, has pivoted her creative energy into the world of body art. Her new venture, a 'speakeasy tattoo parlor' named Comrade Comadre, represents a fusion of political activism and the craft of tattooing. Operating outside the traditional street-shop model, the studio serves a dual purpose as both a private tattoo space and a community library, emphasizing a grassroots, collective atmosphere.
Rodriguez's work at Comrade Comadre is defined by its specific thematic focus: communist-inspired designs and radical political iconography. The artist has moved from the classroom to the tattoo machine, applying her background in fine arts to the permanent medium of skin. Her portfolio already includes high-profile clients within the academic and activist spheres, such as CUNY graduate school Professor Ruth Wilson Gilmore. The designs often feature Soviet symbols and other motifs associated with revolutionary history, catering to a niche clientele looking for body art that reflects their ideological commitments.
By framing the studio as a 'speakeasy,' Rodriguez leans into an underground aesthetic that prioritizes community building over commercial visibility. The inclusion of a library within the studio space suggests that the creative process at Comrade Comadre is intended to be educational and discursive, rather than just transactional. This transition highlights a growing trend of artists from other disciplines entering the tattoo industry to create specialized, mission-driven spaces that challenge the conventional boundaries of the craft.
This story illustrates how tattoo studios can evolve into multidisciplinary community hubs that merge political theory with visual craft. It highlights the potential for artists to successfully pivot their skills into tattooing to serve specific, underserved ideological niches.
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