Trade Tattoo (1937)

Plot

Trade Tattoo pushes the boundaries of the Gasparcolor process further than its predecessor, Rainbow Dance. Utilizing original black and white outtakes from GPO Film Unit documentaries like Night Mail, Lye intricately transformed this footage through groundbreaking film printing and color grading techniques. The result is a vibrant tapestry of animated words and patterns intertwined with live-action sequences, reminiscent of a Cubist masterpiece. Accompanied by the lively sounds of the Cuban Lecuona Band, the film aspires to capture a romanticized view of everyday labor across various fields, celebrating the beauty in daily life.