Lesya Toumaniantz’s radical facial tattoo has recently gone viral, posted on thousands of Facebook pages with captions like “next level face tattoo” from Russia. So I thought it was time to tell the real story behind this remarkable tattoo.
About a month ago, Rouslan Toumaniantz, a well known and sometimes notorious Belgium-based tattoo artist (of Tattoo Box in Kortrijk), and Lesya, a designer living at the time in Saransk, a city in central Russia started talking via chat (Rouslan speaks fluent Russian) and realized they had a lot in common, and quickly began falling head over heels in love. About a week ago they met in person in Moscow and decided to get married — their plans for their life together include her learning to tattoo (Rouslan tells me she’s already a talented artist), apprenticing under her husband-to-be, while she also gets the full-body ink that she’s always dreamed of (biomech is the current plan) — and of course a family.
Her new facial tattoo that’s getting all the attention, a huge commitment for both a person with limited experience as a publicly modified person and for a new relationship screams out the intensity of their commitment to their new life, reads “RUSLAN”, the name of her betrothed. At first glance the tattoo echoes Latin American gang tattooing — MS-13 is the first thing that’s come to many people’s minds — and I worry that it could complicate future travel in the Americas, to say nothing of putting her in danger in some cities (of course, these are places where deaf people speaking sign language occasionally are stabbed when foolish gangmembers assume they’re throwing rival gang-signs). But to be clear, the tattoo has nothing about committing to a life in a gang — it’s a commitment to love.
I know that there are people who are terrified that Lesya has made a rash decision that she’ll regret horribly, but sometimes the best decisions are the ones you make in an instant with your heart rather than the ones long-debated in your mind. I know many people whose favorite mods are the ones they got “on a whim”, and who are still happily married to the person they fell for the instant they saw — “love at first sight” is an old truism — and proposed to within the week. I wish them the best of luck and hope that their life plays out as they dream it to be.
Edit/Update: People have asked why it says “RUSLAN” when I’m writing his name as “Rouslan”. It’s simply because one is the French spelling, and the other is the Russian/English spelling of the name — they chose the latter because it fit better on her face.
Continue after the break for a more explicit photo.
Comments
435 responses to “Lesya and Rouslan”
I get so tired of hearing/seeing people say “Oh she was so beautiful…until she got tattooed/pierced/branded/cut her hair/got a nose job.” (About women in general) Like she wasn’t before? Like the entire sum of her being is based on what you think of her outer appearance?
Saying someone is on drugs or mentally ill because they tattooed their face is a pretty ignorant statement. This is one of the rampant misconceptions about the modified community and I really don’t expect to see it bandied about on ModBlog.
She made the choice to get her face tattooed, she has to live with it in the future. If they’re in love, and it lasts, more power to them. I hope it does.
I get so tired of hearing/seeing people say “Oh she was so beautiful…until she got tattooed/pierced/branded/cut her hair/got a nose job.” (About women in general) Like she wasn’t before? Like the entire sum of her being is based on what you think of her outer appearance?
Saying someone is on drugs or mentally ill because they tattooed their face is a pretty ignorant statement. This is one of the rampant misconceptions about the modified community and I really don’t expect to see it bandied about on ModBlog.
She made the choice to get her face tattooed, she has to live with it in the future. If they’re in love, and it lasts, more power to them. I hope it does.
I get so tired of hearing/seeing people say “Oh she was so beautiful…until she got tattooed/pierced/branded/cut her hair/got a nose job.” (About women in general) Like she wasn’t before? Like the entire sum of her being is based on what you think of her outer appearance?
Saying someone is on drugs or mentally ill because they tattooed their face is a pretty ignorant statement. This is one of the rampant misconceptions about the modified community and I really don’t expect to see it bandied about on ModBlog.
She made the choice to get her face tattooed, she has to live with it in the future. If they’re in love, and it lasts, more power to them. I hope it does.
This made me laugh so hard I had to poo. I have only seen this Rouslan on my screen for 2 times and both times I needed to change my diper. Cant wait what next he’s up to!
This made me laugh so hard I had to poo. I have only seen this Rouslan on my screen for 2 times and both times I needed to change my diper. Cant wait what next he’s up to!
This made me laugh so hard I had to poo. I have only seen this Rouslan on my screen for 2 times and both times I needed to change my diper. Cant wait what next he’s up to!
I think this is beautiful. Fits her very well! What I cannot believe is all these people in the comments who ‘claim’ to be a part of our modified community who are judging her and putting her down. You people disgust me. Fuck you and your un-needed hurtful comments. Abuse? Really? Stupid close minded assholes is what you people are. This girl has a beautiful vision of herself and what she wants to look like and she is living her dream now. I fully support her and her relationship. If you can’t handle the fact that people modify themselves for thier own reasons and NOT YOURS, then you need to get the fuck out of our community, punk ass pussys.
I think this is beautiful. Fits her very well! What I cannot believe is all these people in the comments who ‘claim’ to be a part of our modified community who are judging her and putting her down. You people disgust me. Fuck you and your un-needed hurtful comments. Abuse? Really? Stupid close minded assholes is what you people are. This girl has a beautiful vision of herself and what she wants to look like and she is living her dream now. I fully support her and her relationship. If you can’t handle the fact that people modify themselves for thier own reasons and NOT YOURS, then you need to get the fuck out of our community, punk ass pussys.
I think this is beautiful. Fits her very well! What I cannot believe is all these people in the comments who ‘claim’ to be a part of our modified community who are judging her and putting her down. You people disgust me. Fuck you and your un-needed hurtful comments. Abuse? Really? Stupid close minded assholes is what you people are. This girl has a beautiful vision of herself and what she wants to look like and she is living her dream now. I fully support her and her relationship. If you can’t handle the fact that people modify themselves for thier own reasons and NOT YOURS, then you need to get the fuck out of our community, punk ass pussys.
I think the tattoo looks great. And even if the relationship doesn’t last, that doesn’t mean she can’t keep the tattoo. Relationships change us, people leave their mark. If things don’t turn out, the tattoo still looks good. If that happens, hopefully she can re-contextualize the art and appreciate it in a different way.
I thought it looked amazing before I could even read what it said. A skilled touch-up artist should be able to change it into something equally cool if need be.
Of course, the best thing would be for this to work out. Good luck to them.
I think the tattoo looks great. And even if the relationship doesn’t last, that doesn’t mean she can’t keep the tattoo. Relationships change us, people leave their mark. If things don’t turn out, the tattoo still looks good. If that happens, hopefully she can re-contextualize the art and appreciate it in a different way.
I thought it looked amazing before I could even read what it said. A skilled touch-up artist should be able to change it into something equally cool if need be.
Of course, the best thing would be for this to work out. Good luck to them.
I think the tattoo looks great. And even if the relationship doesn’t last, that doesn’t mean she can’t keep the tattoo. Relationships change us, people leave their mark. If things don’t turn out, the tattoo still looks good. If that happens, hopefully she can re-contextualize the art and appreciate it in a different way.
I thought it looked amazing before I could even read what it said. A skilled touch-up artist should be able to change it into something equally cool if need be.
Of course, the best thing would be for this to work out. Good luck to them.
SoilentGringa – Thanks. Nice comment. I totally agree 🙂
SoilentGringa – Thanks. Nice comment. I totally agree 🙂
SoilentGringa – Thanks. Nice comment. I totally agree 🙂
I’m pretty sure this is going to end in suicide…
I’m pretty sure this is going to end in suicide…
I’m pretty sure this is going to end in suicide…
Well, she is a gorgeous lady,,,the ink is extremely well done, it’s her face and it looks beautiful on her,,,,,,,,, My parents were together 66 years so who are we to say whether these two will make it or not,,,, I wish them the best of luck and hope to see more artwork as it gets done on her…..
Well, she is a gorgeous lady,,,the ink is extremely well done, it’s her face and it looks beautiful on her,,,,,,,,, My parents were together 66 years so who are we to say whether these two will make it or not,,,, I wish them the best of luck and hope to see more artwork as it gets done on her…..
Well, she is a gorgeous lady,,,the ink is extremely well done, it’s her face and it looks beautiful on her,,,,,,,,, My parents were together 66 years so who are we to say whether these two will make it or not,,,, I wish them the best of luck and hope to see more artwork as it gets done on her…..
The world is so cynical. I understand why but the beauty of the picture of them together speaks volumes. Its also very artistic. I hope that the bond they share lasts a lifetime. Be blessed you too. <3
The world is so cynical. I understand why but the beauty of the picture of them together speaks volumes. Its also very artistic. I hope that the bond they share lasts a lifetime. Be blessed you too. <3
The world is so cynical. I understand why but the beauty of the picture of them together speaks volumes. Its also very artistic. I hope that the bond they share lasts a lifetime. Be blessed you too. <3
folks this is not artistic.And sure the tattoo looks okay newly done in photos but whose to say what it will look like later? and of course she is going to keep the tattoo no matter what happens, removing this would be more damaging…. that guy is flaunting his control over his new lady in that last picture, he is not showing love. He is over sexualizing her with his finger in her crotch for others to say ” see what i got!”. A headshot pic of them just smiling together, showing what “he got” would have been just fine.He didnt have to share this one. Im not aginst shots like this, but just ask yourself why would he share this? look at his body langauge. This guy got his rocks off from the last little bit of publicity he got doing that other girl’s face and he is doing the same with this. She’s an adult, and she can do what she wants, but getting your face tattooed right away by someone you don’t even know is dangerous. Love is soooooo awesome, but its lovely irrationality can hide all sorts of unforseen violence and danger….you have to really pay attention and tread carefully. I am so not against face tattoos and i am practically covered but my gut feels real bad about this one.
folks this is not artistic.And sure the tattoo looks okay newly done in photos but whose to say what it will look like later? and of course she is going to keep the tattoo no matter what happens, removing this would be more damaging…. that guy is flaunting his control over his new lady in that last picture, he is not showing love. He is over sexualizing her with his finger in her crotch for others to say ” see what i got!”. A headshot pic of them just smiling together, showing what “he got” would have been just fine.He didnt have to share this one. Im not aginst shots like this, but just ask yourself why would he share this? look at his body langauge. This guy got his rocks off from the last little bit of publicity he got doing that other girl’s face and he is doing the same with this. She’s an adult, and she can do what she wants, but getting your face tattooed right away by someone you don’t even know is dangerous. Love is soooooo awesome, but its lovely irrationality can hide all sorts of unforseen violence and danger….you have to really pay attention and tread carefully. I am so not against face tattoos and i am practically covered but my gut feels real bad about this one.
folks this is not artistic.And sure the tattoo looks okay newly done in photos but whose to say what it will look like later? and of course she is going to keep the tattoo no matter what happens, removing this would be more damaging…. that guy is flaunting his control over his new lady in that last picture, he is not showing love. He is over sexualizing her with his finger in her crotch for others to say ” see what i got!”. A headshot pic of them just smiling together, showing what “he got” would have been just fine.He didnt have to share this one. Im not aginst shots like this, but just ask yourself why would he share this? look at his body langauge. This guy got his rocks off from the last little bit of publicity he got doing that other girl’s face and he is doing the same with this. She’s an adult, and she can do what she wants, but getting your face tattooed right away by someone you don’t even know is dangerous. Love is soooooo awesome, but its lovely irrationality can hide all sorts of unforseen violence and danger….you have to really pay attention and tread carefully. I am so not against face tattoos and i am practically covered but my gut feels real bad about this one.
also, this might make some people feel better maybe, she has other tattoos in more hidden spaces. her back and arm side. that u cant see in that one pic.
http://www.facebook.com/lesya.tequila?viewer_id=1422381325
also, this might make some people feel better maybe, she has other tattoos in more hidden spaces. her back and arm side. that u cant see in that one pic.
http://www.facebook.com/lesya.tequila?viewer_id=1422381325
also, this might make some people feel better maybe, she has other tattoos in more hidden spaces. her back and arm side. that u cant see in that one pic.
http://www.facebook.com/lesya.tequila?viewer_id=1422381325
lastly here he is with her sister in a pic taken last summer. Seems to me like the details they have floating around about their relationship may be more to see how they could push the shock value for publicity purposes?
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=3501738777898&set=a.2387478122078.2109312.1104563631&type=3&theater
i mean im sure the tattoo is real,but the fact that they made sure that the photos didnt show any more of her other tattoos? i dont know guys. i hate the internet sometimes.
lastly here he is with her sister in a pic taken last summer. Seems to me like the details they have floating around about their relationship may be more to see how they could push the shock value for publicity purposes?
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=3501738777898&set=a.2387478122078.2109312.1104563631&type=3&theater
i mean im sure the tattoo is real,but the fact that they made sure that the photos didnt show any more of her other tattoos? i dont know guys. i hate the internet sometimes.
lastly here he is with her sister in a pic taken last summer. Seems to me like the details they have floating around about their relationship may be more to see how they could push the shock value for publicity purposes?
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=3501738777898&set=a.2387478122078.2109312.1104563631&type=3&theater
i mean im sure the tattoo is real,but the fact that they made sure that the photos didnt show any more of her other tattoos? i dont know guys. i hate the internet sometimes.
PUKE !!
PUKE !!
PUKE !!
All of you dolts whom are congratulating and praising her will be eating it later. Looks awful, good tat work but it ruined her face. Maybe I am quick to judge but I am guessing neither are well educated nor do they plan on having a serious career in the future. He beats her with the bottle he drinks from and she calls it love. If you want your children to refrain from this sh!t, may I suggest the paddle. Do not beat them within inches of life but do make sure they realize rules will created and enforced. Thanks for the entertainment you dumb hillbillies.
All of you dolts whom are congratulating and praising her will be eating it later. Looks awful, good tat work but it ruined her face. Maybe I am quick to judge but I am guessing neither are well educated nor do they plan on having a serious career in the future. He beats her with the bottle he drinks from and she calls it love. If you want your children to refrain from this sh!t, may I suggest the paddle. Do not beat them within inches of life but do make sure they realize rules will created and enforced. Thanks for the entertainment you dumb hillbillies.
All of you dolts whom are congratulating and praising her will be eating it later. Looks awful, good tat work but it ruined her face. Maybe I am quick to judge but I am guessing neither are well educated nor do they plan on having a serious career in the future. He beats her with the bottle he drinks from and she calls it love. If you want your children to refrain from this sh!t, may I suggest the paddle. Do not beat them within inches of life but do make sure they realize rules will created and enforced. Thanks for the entertainment you dumb hillbillies.
i hope it works out for them! she was & still is really pretty!!
i hope it works out for them! she was & still is really pretty!!
i hope it works out for them! she was & still is really pretty!!
I’m so glad we all the opportunity to make our own choices and mistakes in life. She was happy to have it done if it doesn’t last then that is her mistake to have made and learn from. Good luck to you both may you both be as blissfully happy always as you seem in these photos.
I’m so glad we all the opportunity to make our own choices and mistakes in life. She was happy to have it done if it doesn’t last then that is her mistake to have made and learn from. Good luck to you both may you both be as blissfully happy always as you seem in these photos.
I’m so glad we all the opportunity to make our own choices and mistakes in life. She was happy to have it done if it doesn’t last then that is her mistake to have made and learn from. Good luck to you both may you both be as blissfully happy always as you seem in these photos.
Fucking dumb, I mean wtf?
Any decent artist worth their salt would NOT do this on someone without extensive heavy coverage
And yet so many of you are blowing smoke up the arse of the artist and bme…
SMH & Facepalm
Fucking dumb, I mean wtf?
Any decent artist worth their salt would NOT do this on someone without extensive heavy coverage
And yet so many of you are blowing smoke up the arse of the artist and bme…
SMH & Facepalm
Fucking dumb, I mean wtf?
Any decent artist worth their salt would NOT do this on someone without extensive heavy coverage
And yet so many of you are blowing smoke up the arse of the artist and bme…
SMH & Facepalm
As one poster said, “…..marking one’s property” or like a child who writes his name on all his toys.
As one poster said, “…..marking one’s property” or like a child who writes his name on all his toys.