The elusive white tiger has long been celebrated as a symbol of serene strength and power throughout the world. This sacred creature is angered when people abuse their positions of power by committing evil deeds. Ancient Western folklore states that when the tiger’s presence is unveiled powerful people become humble and rich people become generous. We decided to manifest this great spirit by painting its likeness on the chosen one. She came to us in the form of a tiger goddess that was summoned by the call of the wild in the form of irresistible pulsating Tigerbeats that have been blasting throughout the Barbary along the Delaware River’s coast line. This space has become the home for a renaissance of progressive thinkers and people who refuse to give in to a life of theivery and greed. And we aimed to put a stop to the madness that we witness in our beloved city of Philadelphia by influencing and recruiting a small army of tiger warriors.
We can’t say exactly what happened that night. Our tiger was received with shock and awe. Mysterious characters dressed in all black made secret pacts. Lives were changed. Paradigms were shattered. Everyone was dancing and cheering and nothing else mattered. Some inhabitants of the Barbary told us that money started appearing in odd places and bizarre plans of a continued cultural renaissance were excitedly jotted down on napkins and bathroom walls. We can say for certain that our mission was a success and that this was the start of something awesome. If you close your eyes and listen closely the Tigerbeats can be heard throughout hidden forests and underground havens all over the world. If you can successfully summon this sacred spirit you can join us. And we shall inherit the earth!
Bodypainter: Matt Deifer
Photographers: Matt Deifer, Fame Lust, Photobot 3000
Model: Devon
Locations: Bodypaint.Me Studio and the Barbary, Philly, PA
Date: March 24, 2014