KATHMANDU: Do you want mystical tattoo influenced by Japanese art? Or do you prefer gorgeous geometric tattoos? If your answer is ‘yes’, then the upcoming 6th International Nepal Tattoo Convention could be your destination. Some of the experts in these genres are participating in this tattoo fest.

Your speciality

I specialise in oriental style tattoo. I enjoy creating tattoos influenced by Japanese art that has a lot of flowers, wind, water along with different mystical creatures.

I will try to do whatever a customer wants in Nepal Convention but I hope there will be something oriental.

Inspiration

I started tattooing back in 1988 where there were not many tattoo artists who were willing to teach others. My three sons are my inspiration.

Tattooing for you

Tattooing for me is my whole world, I just love it. I have been doing it full time since 1991.

Why Int’l Nepal Tattoo Convention

It will be my third time in the convention and I am looking forward to meet all my friends and other artists from the

tattoo world. I feel the convention is growing every year. The art is getting better. It is the friendliest convention I have ever attended.

— Jocke, Tattoo Artist, Hultman Family Tattoo, Sweden

Your speciality

I don’t like my work to be confined in genres. I like doing pretty much everything that appeals to my artistic sensibilities. However, I am known for my custom dot work, line work, mandalas and bongo style (custom tattooing based on fold art from West Bengal, India). In this Convention I am planning to work on underwater geometric half sleeve.

Inspiration

I have been tattooing for about eight-and-a-half years now. I started in Kolkata, India back when there were no

tattoo studios in the city. I have never owned a studio and have always travelled and worked. I have tattooed in India, Sweden, Norway and Germany. I am currently based at Trust Tattoo Studio, in Mannheim, Germany.

I have been inspired by various artists over the years. My greatest inspirations would be artists — Jamini Roy, Sukumar Ray, Khalil Gibran, MC Escher and Patachitra artists (folk artists of rural Bengal and Orissa). In the tattoo business, Anil Gupta, Filip Leu, Jeff Gogue and Tomas tomas have inspired me.

Tattooing for you

Tattooing is precious to me, it has given me so much. For a child who grew up in a rundown neighbourhood in South Kolkata, it is a magical feeling to be able to travel to all these beautiful countries and to be appreciated for your work.

Why Int’l Nepal Tattoo Convention

I owe a lot to the Nepal Convention. I have been a part of it since its inception (visited and got tattooed in the first year). This convention has changed my perception about possibilities in tattooing. It has given my work a direction, which has led to positive changes in my life as an artist and as a human being. There is something about the Nepal convention that attracts a group of like-minded individuals, and the overall positive nature stays with you for a long time. Mohan Gurung is one of the most loveable and respected artists in Asia. A lot of people visit this convention just out of love and respect for Gurung and his contributions to the tattoo fraternity.

— Abhinandan Basu, Obi, tattoo artist from India currently working at Trust Tattoo studio, Germany