A primal tribal ritual in the early days, the art has emerged as an ultimate pop culture trend today. Whether to express one’s individuality or merely flaunt it as a fashion accessory, inking the skin is on resurgence these days. [break]
Nepal Tattoo convention 2011 is slated to be held in Nepal from April 22 to 24 at Hotel Yak and Yeti, Kathmandu.
The organizers say the convention is dedicated to raise social consciousness about tattooing, promoting it as a contemporary art form and spreading awareness among local artists about international safety and hygiene standards.
According to tattooist Mohan Gurung, one of the organizers, “We want to promote tattoo culture and educate the mass about the fine art that it is.” Despite being rooted in history, the local tattoo scene has still not flourished to its potential, according to Gurung.
He hopes the convention will help bring uniformity in this art form.
The event will see 20 tattoo artists and studios from all over Nepal and include well-known guests from the international tattoo fraternity. Activities will include competitions, display of different tattoo art forms, seminars and musical gigs.
Provided the art gets refined with time and meets the international safety standards, Nepal has the potential to become a tattooing destination.
“As it is many foreigners acquire tattoos as memento during their visits to Nepal. In addition, the cost of getting a tattoo here is cheaper than in the West,” shared Gurung.
The exchange of ideas during the convention will be an opportunity for local artistes to hone their craft and acquire knowledge on various methods and designs of tattoos.
The three-day convention, therefore, is a must attend for every tattoo enthusiasts, especially the first timers, who are skeptical about getting a permanent fixture on their skin.
A picture is worth a thousand words, goes and old adage, and a tattoo says a lot about its wearer. A unanimous caution from all artists however is: “An impulsive act might become a cause of regret for rest of life."
For all the dos and don’ts concerning tattoos, list of artistes -- national and international, and for exclusive inside scoop watch out for this space in the coming days.
Pralhad Shrestha
Tik´e jhya Tattoos,
Freak Street
My first question to anyone who wants to be a tattoo artist is, “Can you draw?” If the answer is anything other than “Yes”, then I tell them they need to learn some sort of art; I myself was into sketching.
We are artists first, the only difference being the canvas we use – skin.
The popularity of tattoos is on the rise and there’s good money in it, however passion should be the main driving force (smiles).
Most of my clientèles are Nepali and I’ve done almost 7,000 tattoos over the past four years. I enjoy making portrait tattoos.
There’s a high demand for tattoos of deities such as Ganesh, Shiva and Buddha.
If you’re getting a tattoo for the first time you should do your homework; choose designs that you are happy with. After all it’s an investment of a lifetime.
Dinesh Maharjan
Freak Street Tattoo,
Freak street
Tattooing is not just a ‘cool’ thing. It is a serious job that shouldn’t be taken lightly. I’ve been doing it for the past five years and I’m still learning every single day. You ought to be passionate about your work.
Tattoos as a trend is gaining momentum and convention as such can only heighten its popularity. With the way things are going right now I can only see the industry getting bigger and better.
I have made around 600 tattoos so far, but haven’t found a design for myself, yet (laughs). You see, getting tattooed is a very serious thing and should never be decided on the spur of the moment; those tattoos almost always end up being a regret.
If you don’t want to fall in that category take your time, we are always here to assist.
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