Arts & Culture

Shapeshifting tattoos that change colors? They're on the horizon

Scott Franz — Tue, 20 Oct 2026 16:12:01 +0000

Shapeshifting tattoos that change colors? They're on the horizon Scott Franz Tue, 10/20/2026 - 10:12

A synthetic arm sports several examples of PhotoTat pigments that change color and activate when exposed to light. (Credit: Mollie Stockton/�鶹��ý)

Scott Franz

A team of engineers led by a scientist at �鶹��ý have invented what could become one of the biggest tattoo innovations since the artform debuted more than 5,000 years ago.

PhotoTat, as they call it, is a color-changing tattoo pigment that can temporarily vanish with light exposure.

These aren’t your parents' tattoos.

To make PhotoTat, engineers have encased tiny color-changing pigments of dye inside a glass-like sphere of material commonly used in medical implants. They’re put into the skin the same way as a normal tattoo. But the tattoo can change shape and colors when exposed to different wavelengths of light.

The nano-sized pigments are invisible to the human eye until activated by ultraviolet light. It takes just seconds for the pigments to turn on. The tattoos stay visible for hours or days if they’re only exposed to ambient, indoor light. But they will rapidly disappear after they’re exposed to bright, visible light.

They have both cosmetic and medical applications. Doctors have expressed interest in using them to replace the permanent tattoos they sometimes have to give cancer patients during treatment.

The science behind PhotoTat was detailed in a research paper published Oct. 9 in Matter & Light.

“It opens up a new dimension to what your body art could do,” said Carson Bruns, an associate professor in the Paul M. Rady Department of Mechanical Engineering and �鶹��ý’s ATLAS Institute. “ Every tattoo pigment has always been this static thing that you put in your skin and it stays the same for the rest of your life.”

Bruns, who has been getting tattoos since he was 19, is determined to change that.

Dynamic ink

A synthetic arm sports several examples of PhotoTat pigments that change color and activate when exposed to light. (Credit: Mollie Stockton/�鶹��ý)

With PhotoTat, a tattoo of a black stop light could magically reveal a green, yellow or red light when exposed to UV light.

A tattoo of a tiger could fill in orange when exposed to the sun’s rays.

A bright flashlight could also quickly erase a tattoo that might not be suitable for certain settings.

“It can be that tattoo that you turn off when you go to court and your grandma’s house, and turn on when you go to the club,” he said.

The tattoo pigments can also become a sort of blank whiteboard on the skin. Shining a bright light onto a stencil placed on an arm filled with PhotoTat pigments can activate custom shapes.

The pigments still need to undergo medical testing before they are deemed safe to put in humans. But Bruns, who thrives in the labs of the ATLAS Center at �鶹��ý, has already tested them on himself.

Two years ago, he adorned his leg with a series of what look like color-changing fish scales. When he exposes them to visible light, the scales activate and turn red, orange and blue

“PhotoTat gives us a full palette of color by mixing blue, magenta and yellow pigments,” he said.

Tattoo curious? These turn on and off

Bruns previously led efforts to invent the ‘solar freckle,’ a small tattoo that only appears when someone is exposed to high levels of UV light, reminding them to apply sunscreen.

Carson Bruns

His latest invention could appeal to many different kinds of people, including the “tattoo curious” who might have hesitated to get one because they didn’t want to commit to a lifetime of one image.

“This solves the problem, and you can turn it off if you want,” Bruns said.

Bruns said the pigments could also be used in permanent medical tattoos that are used for cancer treatments.

“A lot of involuntary tattoos are given for dermatological biopsies and radiotherapy,” he said. “It’s a permanent reminder of a traumatic experience. PhotoTat makes it so it can be a tattoo that’s visible when you go to a doctor, and invisible the rest of the time.”

Bruns said the team is still working to enhance PhotoTat, and then the dyes will have to go through clinical and safety testing before they are cleared for use.

A team of engineers led by a scientist at �鶹��ý have invented what could become one of the biggest tattoo innovations since the artform debuted more than 5,000 years ago.

Traditional

A selection of tattoos made with PhotoTat dyes shows how designs can become colorful when exposed to light. (Credit: Mollie Stockton/�鶹��ý)

White

Award-winning actor Zahn McClarnon to headline Indigenous Peoples Day events

Megan M Rogers — Thu, 17 Sep 2026 13:47:59 +0000

Award-winning actor Zahn McClarnon to headline Indigenous Peoples Day events Megan M Rogers Thu, 09/17/2026 - 07:47

Award-winning film and television actor Zahn McClarnon will headline �鶹��ý’s 2026 Indigenous Peoples Day events. Clint Carroll, faculty director for the Center for Native American and Indigenous Studies and associate professor in the Department of Ethnic Studies, will moderate a Monday, Oct. 12, keynote conversation with McClarnon centered on Indigenous storytelling, history and the future beyond.

Zahn McClarnon, �鶹��ý's 2026 Indigenous Peoples Day keynote speaker

The keynote conversation and ensuing luncheon will take place 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the UMC Glenn Miller Ballroom. In addition to the Oct. 12 event, �鶹��ý’s celebration includes a full day of events at multiple sites on Wednesday, Oct. 14, with two panel discussions and a film screening and community conversation.

The events are co-sponsored by the Center for Native American and Indigenous Studies and the Office of Leadership Support and Programming.

“As we commemorate �鶹��ý’s 150th anniversary, we recognize that the university’s legacy sits within the longer arc of Indigenous presence, perseverance, and excellence,” said Sonia DeLuca Fernández, senior vice chancellor for leadership support and programming. “This year’s theme aims to simultaneously mark institutional history and affirm Indigenous continuance in body, tradition, art, scholarship and activism. And we are thrilled to have Zahn McClarnon with us to help shine a spotlight on issues of importance to Native and Indigenous communities.”

McClarnon currently stars in and executive produces AMC’s acclaimed series “Dark Winds,” which recently completed production of its fifth season. Based on Tony Hillerman’s Leaphorn & Chee novels, the series follows two Navajo police officers in the 1970s Southwest as they investigate a string of seemingly unrelated crimes, confronting outside forces, personal demons and each other along the way. The late Robert Redford, who attended �鶹��ý and founded the Sundance Film Festival, also served as an executive producer for the show’s first three seasons.

McClarnon previously gained widespread acclaim for his role as Hanzee Dent on FX’s “Fargo,” his recurring portrayal of Akecheta on HBO’s “Westworld” and as Officer Mathias on “Longmire” (A&E/Netflix). He was a series regular on National Geographic’s “Barkskins” and AMC’s “The Son” and recurred in FX’s “Reservation Dogs.” And his film credits include co-starring in the crime thriller “The Silencing” and appearing in Mike Flanagan’s adaptation of Stephen King’s “Doctor Sleep.”

The purpose of the luncheon following the conversation with McClarnon is to create space for community dialogue around the keynote and the overarching theme of this year’s events. The meal will include traditional Indigenous menu items inspired by local Indigenous chefs who trained campus catering staff.

The full agenda of events on Oct. 14 includes panels on land back and bison restoration initiatives and a screening of the film "People of the Sacred Land" about Colorado's Indigenous history. Panelists include tribal leaders and academic experts. These events provide participants with the opportunity to honor history and Indigenous wisdom, engage in critical dialogue, and build a collective and culturally sustaining vision at �鶹��ý.

Full details on event locations and registration can be found on the Indigenous Peoples Day webpage.

Keynote

Who: Students, faculty, staff, community members
What: �鶹��ý Indigenous Peoples Day keynote conversation featuring Zahn McClarnon
When: Monday, Oct. 12, 11 a.m.–1 p.m.
Where: University Memorial Center, Glenn Miller Ballroom

More campus events

Oct. 14: Panel discussions and film screening

“Land Back: Comparative Hemispheric Perspectives”
Lunch and “Colorado Buffalo Collective: Bison Back, Land Back—Restoring Buffalo, Land, and Relationship”
“Bison Back: Bringing Our Relatives Home”
“People of the Sacred Land: Film Screening and Community Conversation”

Campus resources

McClarnon currently stars in and executive produces AMC's acclaimed series "Dark Winds," which recently completed production of its fifth season and includes his directorial debut.

Zebra Striped

White

Meet Buffs One Read author Sarah Ruhl Sept. 24

Megan M Rogers — Fri, 04 Sep 2026 17:47:12 +0000

Meet Buffs One Read author Sarah Ruhl Sept. 24 Megan M Rogers Fri, 09/04/2026 - 11:47

Join the author of this year's Buffs One Read selection, "Lessons from My Teachers," for a conversation about the people who guide us, the experiences that change us and what it means to keep learning throughout our lives.

Traditional

White

Food, music, art and more: Culture Crawl returns Sept. 30

Megan M Rogers — Mon, 31 Aug 2026 18:16:06 +0000

Food, music, art and more: Culture Crawl returns Sept. 30 Megan M Rogers Mon, 08/31/2026 - 12:16

This year's Culture Crawl joins �鶹��ý's 150th anniversary and Homecoming celebrations with 25-plus events across campus, from exhibitions and performances to food tastings and art making. Pick up a limited-edition Culture Crawl T-shirt while supplies last.

Traditional

White

Persevering Legacy March 26—meet the performers ahead of time

Megan M Rogers — Wed, 18 Mar 2026 18:28:14 +0000

Persevering Legacy March 26—meet the performers ahead of time Megan M Rogers Wed, 03/18/2026 - 12:28

College of Music

The �鶹��ý Diverse Musicians' Alliance presents its annual Persevering Legacy event celebrating women composers, including those from historically marginalized groups. Meet some of the student performers, learn about their chosen works and join the event.

Traditional

White

Sundance Film Festival announces dates for 2027

Megan M Rogers — Tue, 24 Feb 2026 17:15:31 +0000

Sundance Film Festival announces dates for 2027 Megan M Rogers Tue, 02/24/2026 - 10:15

Credit: Don Kohlbauer

The Sundance Film Festival will be coming to Boulder Jan. 21–31, 2027, the Sundance Institute announced today.

This follows a previous announcement that the Festival would be moving to Boulder, starting with the 2027 season, and a proposal submitted in June 2024 by the Boulder Convention and Visitors Bureau (Visit Boulder).

The proposal had support from the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT), the Colorado Office of Film Television and Media, OEDIT‘s Business Funding & Incentives Division, Colorado Creative Industries, the Colorado Tourism Office and a regional coalition of partners, including the city of Boulder, the Boulder Chamber, �鶹��ý and the Stanley Film Center.

�鶹��ý is working closely with the Sundance Institute and the city of Boulder as planning progresses. Updates can be found both on the newly created �鶹��ý Sundance Film Festival webpage and on the Visit Boulder website.

Tickets for the 2027 Sundance Film Festival are not yet for sale.

“As the Sundance Film Festival reflects on its incredible history in Utah, the �鶹��ý community is excited to pick up the torch in Colorado,” said �鶹��ý Chancellor Justin Schwartz. “Several �鶹��ý leaders were able to travel to Utah this winter and witness the creative and logistical feats underpinning this storied festival, helping us become well-prepared to serve as hosts in 2027. We are excited about how the Festival will create new opportunities for our students, faculty, staff and the extended community.”

Keep updated on the 2027 Sundance Film Festival

OEDIT expects the Festival will have a significant and growing economic impact to Colorado’s economy. The 2024 Festival contributed over $132 million to Utah’s economy, while creating 1,730 jobs for Utah residents and $69.7 million in wages. Over 24,000 visitors came from out of state for the Festival that year.

The Festival will offer new opportunities to students, faculty and staff. Exposure to the world-class filmmakers, actors, screenwriters and others that attend the Sundance Film Festival will inspire the next generation of artists.

More information about the Festival will be available on the Visit Boulder website, the �鶹��ý webpage, and the Sundance Film Festival website.

The Sundance Film Festival is set to make its Boulder debut in January 2027. Find out the exact dates and how to stay connected as planning progresses.

Traditional

White

Jaunt over to the Fairytale Festival March 5

Megan M Rogers — Fri, 20 Feb 2026 19:41:49 +0000

Jaunt over to the Fairytale Festival March 5 Megan M Rogers Fri, 02/20/2026 - 12:41

Join this magical evening celebrating art and fairy tales with crafts, quests, snacks and music hosted by Radio 1190.

Traditional

White

Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Convocation scheduled for Jan. 15

Megan M Rogers — Mon, 08 Dec 2025 18:33:25 +0000

Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Convocation scheduled for Jan. 15 Megan M Rogers Mon, 12/08/2025 - 11:33

Join �鶹��ý for a free event open to students, staff, faculty and local community members to commemorate one of the country's most influential civil rights leaders: the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Traditional

White

It was a very good year (for movies)

Megan M Rogers — Tue, 18 Nov 2025 15:11:15 +0000

It was a very good year (for movies) Megan M Rogers Tue, 11/18/2025 - 08:11

Colorado Arts and Sciences Magazine

The films of 1975, currently featured in �鶹��ý's International Film Series—including "The Rocky Horror Picture Show" on Dec. 4—reflected the times and the culture in ways that hadn't been seen before, says film scholar Ernesto Acevedo-Muñoz.

Traditional

White

At this holiday market, repurposing is the new regifting

Megan M Rogers — Mon, 10 Nov 2025 18:18:24 +0000

At this holiday market, repurposing is the new regifting Megan M Rogers Mon, 11/10/2025 - 11:18

CMDI students will showcase and sell their sustainable products at the annual Firefly Handmade Holiday Market Nov. 15–16.

Traditional

White

Arts & Culture

Shapeshifting tattoos that change colors? They're on the horizon

Dynamic ink

Tattoo curious? These turn on and off

Related Articles

Award-winning actor Zahn McClarnon to headline Indigenous Peoples Day events

Related Articles

Meet Buffs One Read author Sarah Ruhl Sept. 24

Related Articles

Food, music, art and more: Culture Crawl returns Sept. 30

Related Articles

Persevering Legacy March 26—meet the performers ahead of time

Related Articles

Sundance Film Festival announces dates for 2027

Related Articles

Jaunt over to the Fairytale Festival March 5

Related Articles

Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Convocation scheduled for Jan. 15

Related Articles

It was a very good year (for movies)

Related Articles

At this holiday market, repurposing is the new regifting

Related Articles