Southern Ink Exposure

For many South Africans tattoo is still taboo. However, tattoo art is evolving! The isolated, faded, blue ink memory is being refreshed by hundreds of vibrant inks and finely tuned machines and technologies which aid skills, improve quality and create public interest.

This ‘bloody’ medium is pushing the boundaries of illustration in a free and publicly-guided forum of personal legacies. Thanks to the efforts of both local and international artists, tattoo conventions are now helping to give us confirmation and provide interactions that push us forward. There have been four successful events in South Africa in the past two years and as the communities of sub-cultures are united in ancient ritual, a new community is born. The art of the people is on the people and for the people. An example is the Southern Ink Exposure, or SIX, which was held from 23-26 January 09.

Article and photos by Sean Stretch.