The Belgrade Fair in Serbia came alive last weekend, October 12 to 13 as artists were painting models for a competition named the Bodyart Festival Serbia. The festival was organized by Radmila Radman with the support of Alex Barendregt of the World Bodypainting Association.

Lynn Schockmel was part of the competitors and was successful: She made 2nd place at the Body Painting Awards Saturday October 12 and won the Face Painting Awards on Sunday October 13. 

Theme of the Body Painting Awards: “Inner Fears”
Lynn painted her model Marina, together with her assistant Marco as a “Entomophobia warrior” with jewel beetle armor elements to represent the fight against insect fear.

Story:
There was once a girl living with “entomophobia”, the fear of insects. She endeavored to avoid all encounters and situations where any insect could possibly be. The visual triggers of multiple appendages, eyes, skin textures brought on panic and hysteria anytime she met one of these creepy crawlies. She felt cornered, unsafe and unclean. Her personal space ever more constricted with their ever-increasing numbers and unending spread. Her life was forever being impacted by her fear, restricting her movements and driving her away from the world around her. She knew it was irrational, of course it was, but she couldn’t control her reactions, they owned her.
Finally, a bit like a cocooning caterpillar preparing for change, she finally chose to fight against it and conquer her emotions. She studied them, watched them, learnt about them and discovered beauty that she hadn’t previously seen or considered: Jeweled beetles. They were beautiful, the iridescent sparkling colors, all colors of the spectrum and harmless in nature. Overtime, she managed to get closer to those beetles and slowly turned her fears, into strengths.
But her battle wasn’t over yet….

Some pictures of the work (photos by Marco Mazzini):

Theme of the Face Painting Awards: “Beings from the Future”
Lynn painted the face of her model Jana as a “Human Laboratory”. The first impression  was meant to look like a cyborg skull face, but when you look closer other elements were showing up: A kneeling cyborg (on the nose) with wings (on the eyebrows) exerting control over artificial pregnancy (embryos on the cheeks) and grown-ups (on the lips/teeth) who are still connected to the machine. The feet of the cyborg look like the skulls nostrils. A human who didn't had the perfect DNA is burning in a capsule on the model's forehead. 

​Story:
We live in an era of extinction. Capital flows, industrial infrastructures, molecules, affects, techno-scientific enterprises with robots, androids and hybrids who are engendering human life, while unraveling ecological communities and multi species worlds.
In this speculative future motherhood, the work of insemination, pregnancy, delivery, and care of the newborn is now being radically transformed by new techno-scientific prosthetics, artificial wombs and contractual arrangements. Contemporary biotechnologies are modifying and subverting reproductive conventions, Gene editing tools, synthetic biology, digital algorithms, and sperm banks are remaking germ plasma and reconfiguring horizons of desire and care for the human species.

​Images of Vegas acrobats, Hollywood starlets and magazine cover girls’ flashes in our minds when we think of Body Painting. All these seem very hip and contemporary, but contrary to popular belief body painting is an ancient art. If historians are to be believed, body painting is perhaps the first art form practiced by mankind. Enough evidence can be found in the Asian, African, European and Australia cultures to support the claim of body painting being the first art form mankind ever practiced. 

​Body painting is a form of expression and communication just like any other art forms. Body painting transforms the human body into a beautiful canvas depicting the story an artist is portraying. Back in ancient history people painted their body for cultural, social and spiritual reasons. Weddings, religious functions, funerals are a few examples. Even today certain cultures in Asia and Africa practice some forms of body painting as an act of expression.

While body painting is an innovative medium to be used in advertising, it is also a lot more price effective than hiring stars and spending millions on ad campaigns which may still go unnoticed by the audience. There are a lot of myths surrounding body painting as an art form and thus mainstream media is reluctant to accept it. Body painting is seen as an equivalent to nudity and is thus avoided. As a body painting artist, I can say that nudity is not a prerequisite for body painting. Another popular myth is that body painting is only for female models. This too isn’t true. Let’s just say body painting isn’t gender biased and all human beings are welcome to become a canvas. Body painting isn’t a singular art and getting the entire body painted isn’t the only option. The extent of paint can vary based on the advertiser's needs and demands of the advertisement concept. Face painting is, in fact, a very popular form of body painting and so are temporary tattoos inked on various parts of the body.
Body painting and communicating through images and colours artistically painted on human beings is an untapped medium when it comes to advertising. This medium shows promise owing to its uniqueness and thus should be used to communicate the message to the audience. ​

​What comes to mind when you think about body paint? Maybe you think of those days at the carnivals or state fair where you could get your face painted into a butterfly or a tiger. Perhaps you think about tattoos, a more permanent type of body paint. The truth is, though, that body paint comes in multiple forms and styles. This art style provides many ways to express yourself by using your own body as the canvas.
 
But before we got to the modern forms of body paint that we see today, where did it get its start? And how did it grow into the art form that we see today?

Although many may think that body paint is a more recent phenomenon starting in within the past century, its roots are actually much more ancient than that. Body paint in actuality dates back to prehistoric times and is recorded to have been utilized in many African, Asian, European, and Australian cultures for centuries now. We even see records of body painting in early American cultures such as the Native Americans in North America, and many Central and South American cultures. 
 
While the pigments and technology of modern day paints were not available during this time, they were able to utilize natural dyes from plants within their region to create the outcome they wanted. From fruits like blackberries to plants like the bright, beautiful saffron to clays and charcoals, they were able to develop yellows, reds, blues, and other hues to decorate their bodies. So they were able to create a wide range of color without the use of modern conveniences.
 
The reasons for their body décor could be for a multitude of events and ceremonies such as:

• Weddings
• Funerals
• War
• Rights of Passage (i.e., Puberty)
• Hunting Camouflage
• Status Symbols

 
Every stroke, image, and symbol that was painted on the body held a meaning behind it, which is one of the main differences between modern body painting and its early predecessors. 

​In more recent years, body painting techniques that entered into the mainstream were less centered around the entire body, and more focused on covering the face and arms. We see this happening with many performers and clowns. It wasn’t until 1933 that utilizing the full body, or even the face, as a canvas for mainstream art and fashion was introduced to modern society at the World's Fair in Chicago. Here, Max Factor Sr. painted his model, Sally Rand, in his new makeup line as a way to promote it. This, of course, was incredibly provocative and an out of the norm technique for many attendees. It's safe to say that painting the entire nude form did not gain popularity and remained an alternative art.
 
On the other hand, face painting did gain some traction as a more mainstream form and was seen on many hippies within the 1960s and 1970s. By painting flowers, peace signs, and other psychedelic symbols on their faces, the hippie movement utilized this art as a way to show their support for their cause. It wasn’t until 1992 that body painting truly made a new name for itself with Demi Moore’s Vanity Fair cover shoot. This controversial cover shoot consisted of Demi Moore completely nude and only covered by artfully done body paint, designed to look like a chic skintight suit. This particular style had not been prevalent in mainstream culture and was all of a sudden brought to the forefront of media artfully and stylishly.
 
With the release of Demi Moore's iconic cover shoot, body paint in this particular style, moved more into the mainstream culture, as a new and alternative form of art. Currently, not only is body paint showcased in its many ways, from smaller parts of the skin being painted like the arms and face. It has also become an art form accepted across the world. Many conventions and art expos, showcasing incredible art pieces on the body have become more popular. Also, TV shows such as Skin Wars, a show highlighting artists who specialize in body painting, has assisted in launching the forms and fashion of body paint into the public in a way that is digestible for mass media. 
 
Body paint, though still holds some of the ancient meanings and traditions from centuries before. For example, henna paint is still used in many Egyptian and Indian religious ceremonies and wedding festivities.  So while the art has taken on a more modern twist, it has stayed rooted in many of its traditions as well.
 

​After learning all the rich history behind body painting, you may be eager to start dabbling in the art form yourself. Before you get started, let's review some of the different types of paint that can be used. It's essential to do this because while some paints will be excellent for all over body painting, others may be unsafe for more sensitive areas of the skin or general skin types. It’s also important to decipher which paints are specially made for the skin and which are not, so let’s get into some of the main types of paint and some basics about each one.

​Water-based paints are one of the safest if not the most reliable, options for body painting. They are made to be non-toxic, usually non-allergenic, and are easily removed with soap and water. Although this particular type does need more frequent touch-ups and isn't known for being incredibly long-lasting, it is a great option when painting on more sensitive skin types or on pregnant women, as it is made under strict safety guidelines specific for body safety.

​Formerly used for small tattoos on parts of the body, alcohol-based pants have recently been used on the entire body. This particular paint is sweatproof and waterproof, so it stands the test of performances and summer music festivals. You will have to take care of removing this specific type of paint. If the brand does not provide or suggest a remover, rubbing alcohol will work best, just make sure to take your time in removing it.

​Latex paints and many other oil-based paints are an incredible full-coverage option, especially when wanting to create an eye-catching and highly visual costume or piece of artwork. It's essential to read the details of the paint before applying and also take precaution to remove all body hair before applying latex paint. This is because it functions as a second layer that can cause a painful waxing effect if any hair is left on the body and had been painted over. 

​Cream-based makeups have been a must-have in many makeup kits, as they create durable, avant-garde looks without the cracking and wear and tear that sometimes occur with lighter makeup products. A plus to this one is that this one is waterproof and sweat proof like alcohol based paints. Unfortunately, this type of paint never fully dries and often needs to be set with a finishing spray or powder to prevent the artwork from being ruined.

​Henna paints are actually created from the leaves of a flowering plant that grows in tropical regions within the continents of Africa and Asia. This particular paint has been used as hair dye, body paint, fabric dye, and more. It's most popular use now is to be used as a form of pigment for temporary tattoo designs.
 
While the more common brown henna mixes are natural and leave no harmful effects, black henna is not the same. Although plant-based like brown henna, its pre-made mixes have metal additives that can seep into the skin. This can cause damage if used continuously over a long period. So it’s smart to stay away from black henna. 

​It’s interesting to see the path that body paint has taken. From ancient societies using fruits and plants to paint symbols or ceremonies, to provocative and controversial art pieces, to modern commercial use, it’s an art form that spans many styles and techniques. So whether you are creating a couture work of art or just looking for a fun activity to add to your kid's birthday party, body and face painting is a great way to expand your horizons.

The movie Egon Schiele: Death And The Maiden, a Luxembourg/Austria production, released in 2016 draws the short life of the Viennese artist Egon Schiele, one of the most provocative artists of Vienna. His erotic work was shocking in the early 20th century. His life and work are animated by beautiful women and an era that is coming to an end. Two women will have a lasting impact on him - his sister and first muse Gerti, and Wally, probably his only love, immortalized in his famous painting "Death and the Maiden". His radical paintings scandalize Viennese society while daring artists such as Gustav Klimt and art agents feel the exceptional. But he is also willing to go beyond his own pain and sacrifice Love and Life for his art that still inspire us today.

​The day of the dead - known as Dia de los Muertos - is a special holiday celebrated in early November. This tradition, born in Mexico, is not very popular yet in Luxembourg. Sugar skull makeups are rather worn for Halloween. 

You can find more makeups in the face painting portfolio.

Credits:
The Steampunk Android
Bodypainting: Lynn Schockmel
Model: Eiwi Smith
photographer: Marco Mazzini

Credits:
The Steampunk Robot Lady
Bodypainting: Lynn Schockmel
Model: Lou Di Pelino
photographer: Marco Mazzini

Credits:
The Mechanical Angel
Bodypainting: Lynn Schockmel
Model: Katia Dos Santos
photographer: Marco Mazzini

Credits:
The Victorian Steampunk Bird
Bodypainting: Lynn Schockmel
Model: Alana Karah
photographer: Marco Mazzini

Credits:
The Steampunk Creature
Bodypainting: Lynn Schockmel
Model: Liane Goutier
photographer: Marco Mazzini

Credits:
The Green Mechanical Girl
Bodypainting: Lynn Schockmel
Model: Danielle
photographer: Marco Mazzini

Credits:
The Steampunk Android
Bodypainting: Lynn Schockmel
Model: Christelle
photographer: Timoune

Press:
Wort.lu: ​„Steampunk Festival 2011“: Interview mam…Lynn Schockmel

You can find more bodypaintings from Lynn Schockmel in her porfolio.

The 3d edition of the Springbreak Luxembourg was held from March 14-17, 2019 at Luxexpo TheBox. 
It was a 4-day celebration and fair around innovation, creativity, respect for the environment and positive effects.
Hundreds of exhibitors, shops and partners have demonstrated their brands with shows, entertainment and live acts.  

Lynn Schockmel made a spring inspired body painting at The Storm's booth during Friday night. The Storm is a group organizing tattoo events. Lynn used bright colors to make the design stand out. Her beautiful and patient model was Catia which worked already many times for Lynn. 

ALPADOC is the Luxembourg Association of Chronic Pain Patients supporting patients and pleading for adequate management and the treatment of chronic pain in Luxembourg. 

The association ALPADOC decided to build a perpetual calendar with different photos of 8 pain patients. Lynn Schockmel designed a few abstract but meaningful full and partial bodypaintings in different colors and patterns. Some patients were painted in black to express their lack of hope and pessimism. Black is often the symbol of negativsm, it hides but also covers. It can also be the color of Power. Some body parts were painted in different colors to bring out the part of their body which hurts the most, for example their arm or their leg. Red was used a lot to symbolize strong emotions like pain, danger, courage, strength, and power. Some patients were painted very colorful to symbolize mixed feelings like hope, strength, but also sensitivity and irritability. 
​All bodypainted patients were photographed by Marco Mazzini. 

The calendar consists of 12 sheets, one sheet per month, in DIN A3 format.
It's a perpetual calendar, because you can use it each year for an infinite time.
The calendar is sold together with a pencil and a clip to the day marker for 15 €.
Orders here:
ALPADOC
Denise Bucciarelli
+352 691 171 146
contact@alpadoc.lu

Wort.lu: Neues Projekt von Alpadoc

Model: Joelle Montegriffo
Artist: Lynn Schockmel
Assistant: Marco Mazzini

Press:
​Wort.lu: Body Painting: Triumph für Lynn Schockmel​

You can find more examples of Lynn's face art works in her face painting & SFX Gallery

Estetika is a beauty expo and meeting for beauty specialists, pedicurists, chiropodists, nail stylists, dermatologists and other professionals in the Benelux. The expo occurs in Brussels Expo twice a year. 

They also organize a bodypainting contest with about 20 particiants. Each artist only has 2,5 hours to complete their art work without any help. Artists don't create a full bodypaint, but Lynn Schockmel decided challenge herself and covered the whole body of her model. The theme was open, so she picked up a fantasy creature with some baroque elements. She also included a wig and wings to add more interest to her design.

Her efforts paid well: She won the 1st price!

Credits:
bodypainting: Lynn Schockmel 
model: Esther Fougère
photo: Marco Mazzini 

Press:
Wort.lu: ​Körperkunst: Lynn Schockmel gewinnt Bodypainting-Wettbewerb
Tageblatt: Lynn Schockmel aus Luxemburg siegt

The World Bodypainting Festival (WBF) is a bodypainting festival and competition which is held annually in Austria. It is a celebration of body painting and the staging of the human body as an art object. The WBF is also an experience space filled with music, shows and experimental performances. The festival is attended by artists from 50 nations and attracts over 30,000 spectators.

It was an exhausting but exciting journey for Lynn Schockmel to participate at the World Bodypainting Festival at the Brush & sponge category this year. She planned her designs for about 6 months in advance with a lot of testing and adjustments. She began with the first sketches on paper, then tested some colors and elements on voluntary models before determining the final creation.

The event was absolutely amazing. She has met world-famous and emerging artists, from whom a good friendship has developed. They had a good time before and after the competitions at the Festival Academy, the Body Circus or just by hanging out in restaurants and bars.

The main days of the Festival are the competition days where Lynn made it finally under the Top 20 of the World!  She made 14th place in the first round and dropped down to the 19th place in the finals. This means she improved her result to 11 places from last year! This result is fabulous, considering this bodypainting competition being the most difficult with over 200 skilled artists from all over the world.

This year she has worked with her assistant and husband Marco Mazzini and her pretty model Larissa Van Soest from the Netherlands! Larissa was a very patient and brave model during the 6 hours of strenuous painting and was performing great in front of the jury, backstage with all photographers and on the stage.

Lynn's artworks of this Festival got published in some articles and blog posts:
Wort.lu: Luxemburger Bodypainting-Künstlering: Der Mensch als Kunstwerk
The Guardian USA: The world bodypainting festival – in pictures
Daily Mail UK: Paint strippers! Naked models coated in vibrant colours showcase work of artists from 47 countries for World Bodypainting Festival
YMKPA: The fantastic world of body art at the festival "World bodypainting festival 2014" (russian)
Baku: World Body Painting Festival: The Best Works of 2014 (russian)
You can find more publications about Lynn's passion here.

The Swiss Bodypainting Art Festival 2013 was held in the famous city Lugano. The theme of the competition was "Renaissance". Lynn Schockmel has represented Luxembourg with her "Christopher Columbus" piece. She competed at the brush & sponge category with her model Michaela Zamborova and assistant Marco Mazzini. She made 14h place.

Enjoy the following video of the festival: