# Art and Artistry in Short Fiction

> Theme guide for Short Fiction by Tanizaki Jun’ichirō.

The role of the artist is central, with Seikichi embodying the tortured creator who views human skin as canvas, and the ukiyo-e tradition informing his work, raising questions about the morality and power of artistic creation.

## Where it surfaces

- [Tattooing](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_52_se/chapters/tattooing): Seikichi is portrayed as an artist who retains the conscience of an ukiyo-e painter, and tattooing is presented as a form of artistic expression with its own styles and exhibitions.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_52_se/themes/art_and_artistry
- Themes index: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/short_fiction_52_se/themes