Josh Brolin appears to be ready to join a “Gangster Squad” … as he seems to have some expansive new ink on his back.

The actor was seen surfing in Santa Barbara on Saturday … and, while walking to and from the water, he pulled his wetsuit down to let his torso breathe.

And, on his back, is a large black tattoo … featuring a lighthouse rising from the waves, topless mermaids framing the scene, and the word “aretê” — an ancient Greek term that translates to “fulfillment” and “virtue” — positioned between his shoulder blades.

It’s a stunning art piece — definitely reminiscent of Ben Affleck‘s colorful phoenix tattoo, which also covered his entire back.

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Interestingly, last year Brolin had a tattoo removed from one of his shoulders … thanking the company that performed the procedure for getting the “bulls***” off of him.

Brolin’s new ink looks authentic … and we know he’s not entirely against tattoos — as he recently gave his first tattoo by inking a fellow artist’s arm.

In conclusion … Brolin seems to be riding the waves and going with the flow — which has clearly led him to one impressive tattoo artist!