Maria Jose Cristena, known as the ‘real-life vampire,’ has attracted worldwide attention with her bold and extreme body modifications. Her appearance is impossible to miss, from her bright tattoos to her wild piercings.
But her journey is not limited to her appearance. Behind the ink and piercings lies a powerful story of self-expression, personal transformation, and a message for those who may be considering a similar path.
There is more to her choices than meets the eye, and her unique experience is both inspiring and cautionary.
Kristerna is a Guinness World Record holder for the number of body modifications: 50 modifications, including tattoos, piercings, implants, and a forked tongue.
Beginning her transformation at age 14, Kristina has created deeply personal body art that symbolises her escape from a violent ten-year marriage.
‘Art flows through my veins,’ she says, using her body as a canvas for self-expression.
Despite her pride in her appearance, Christena urges young people to think carefully before getting tattoos, as these changes are irreversible. ‘You have to love it and protect it for life,’ she advises.
Among Christerna’s modifications are intricate eye pigmentation and painful implants on her arms, each element symbolising her journey towards self-love and resilience. Although Christena continues to follow her unique style and regularly gets new tattoos, she does not forget the importance of making informed decisions when modifying her body. She recently shared a new tattoo that is in the process of being created, demonstrating her continued dedication to the art.
In an interview with Guinness World Records, she expressed her belief in the power of self-love, stating, ‘The only way to escape violence and cruelty is to love yourself. We came into this world to be happy.’
Despite the mixed reactions to her appearance, Christerna remains focused on self-expression and her goal of covering 100% of her body in tattoos, ignoring the judgement of those around her. ‘I know who I am, and that’s what matters most,’ she confidently declares.
Although she continues to push the boundaries of her image, Kristerna emphasises that those considering similar transformations must be fully aware that these changes require a lifetime commitment.
What do you think of her bold image?
