OCEANSIDE — The photo exhibit “Ancient Marks: The Sacred Origins of Tattoos and Body Marking” at the Oceanside Museum of Art is getting diverse reactions from viewers.

While some museum visitors are drawn to the exhibit, others do not initially warm up to the idea of looking at an exhibition of body art, according to Beth Smith, assistant director of the museum. However, the stunning photos by renowned National Geographic photographer Chris Rainier usually change their minds, Smith said.

“I appreciate tattoos as art and self expression,” said Justice Everett of Vista. “I have several tattoos.”

For some the subject matter is a shock and the photos help bridge cultural understanding, Kathleen Clark, a museum volunteer, said.

Many older viewers who think of tattoos as a right of passage for men in the military are amazed at the beauty captured in the black and white photos, Claire Youngstrom, a museum volunteer, said.

Rainier sets his subjects’ tattoos and body art against their home landscapes of South America, Tahiti, Nevada and San Francisco. “Chris Rainier traveled all over the world and took images over seven years,” Smith said. Additional photos of masks and religious symbols help fill out the pictures of different cultures. “He knows what’s important to document,” said Smith.

“Its a demonstration of the universality of tattoos and body art,” said David Johns of San Diego.

“Ancient Marks: The Sacred Origins of Tattoos and Body Marking” is on display at Oceanside Museum of Art through Aug. 24. A live tattoo runway show will be held at 5 p.m. May 17.