Nepal Tattoo Convention 2011, declared a no smoke, no alcohol zone, had an air of calmness about it, punctuated by random burst of music and buzzing of tattoo needles. [break]
Some artists were seen going about their needling business, while others were happy interacting with each other, sharing ideas and exchanging their business cards.
Lokesh Varma of Devilz Tattoz was all praises for the event. “I find the people here open to experimentation and much more liberal compared to India. Events like this will certainly boost the industry.”
Present at the venue was Guinness Rishi from India who holds the record of having the most flag tattoos.
The 70-year-old revealed his plans to break a few more records by the end of the three day festival, “I’m trying to get 30 tattooists to work on my body, simultaneously. I’m dedicating it to the Japanese people.”
Yesramiya Chaudhary and Somiya Chaudhary from Chitwan representing Tharu community also drew considerable attention from onlookers who gave into a frenzy of clicking their traditional tattoos.
According to organizers, they were specially invited for the convention, as they represent centuries old tattoo culture of Nepal.
Tattoo Gizmo’s Arvin Garg shared his desire to open an outlet in Nepal. “I find there’s a lot of slack in the hygiene department, which can only be eradicated by proper education and availability of right equipments,” he said.
Murchanna’s performance provided a much needed break to many artistes, and the evening ended with the announcement of winners in various categories.
And tattoo, Bangkok, bagged the title for best Arm Sleeve (colorful) and Leg Sleeve (black n grey); Mohan’s Tattoo Inn for Arm Piece (black n grey); and the best tattoo of the day went to Laurent Maïna of France.
The day two of the event will see performance by Rock Sitar and an exclusive seminar by Italian tattooist Andrea Afferni, who’ll be talking on various color technique for realistic subjects like portrait, wildlife and landscape.
A confluence of 57 tattoo artists from countries including Germany, Greece and India, the convention expects more than 15,000 visitors by Sunday, April 24.
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