Nepal Tattoo Convention 2011 is just two days away and preparations are already on high gear to ensure the first international gathering of tattoo artists goes smoothly.
Hotel Yak and Yeti, Kathmandu will play host to the event from April 22 to 24, and will see a total of 57 national and international tattoo artists. [break]
The international artists are starting to trickle in the capital.
Republica caught up with famed German tattoo artist Marcuse and body piercing extraordinaire Marcus Strohner.
Marcuse
Smilin´ Demons Tattoo
Mannheim, Germany
I studied Graphic Arts at the Stuttgart State Academy of Art and Design.
I did apprenticeship with Crazy Creg in Heidelberg and that’s how my journey into tattoo art began. It’s been 17 years of tattooing, traveling and meeting people.
I run Smilin’ Demons Tattoo in Mannheim, Germany.
I have heard a lot about Nepal and although it’s been only few hours since I arrived, I can already tell that art is a major part of the Nepali culture.
I can’t wait to explore the city and interact with the locals. As an artist it’s very important to have good people skills; public relations makes all the difference.
The tattoo scene in Germany is promising and is growing day by day. Yes, the rules and regulations are very strict but it’s important to maintain standards of hygiene, to avoid any accidents of cross-infections. One can’t afford to be negligent when we are dealing with life.
I’m into custom-tailored works and I love the aesthetics of Asian tattooing, especially Japanese style.
I think as an artist it’s our responsibility to steer the clients away from any potential mistakes he or she might be making. Before every project I offer tattoo consulting services.
An awareness of individual motives will keep you from making such blunders. Do your homework and be open to suggestions, we are here to create art – together!
Marcus Strohner
Trust Body Modification
Mannheim, Germany
I found out about the convention through Mohan, when I met him last year in the Phuket Tattoo Convention in Thailand. This is my first time in Nepal as well and so far so good. The tattoo scene looks promising and I can’t wait to see the whole fraternity gathered under one roof.
I bring to the table something extra, my specialty is body piercing and modification.
Through the convention I hope to bring the exciting world of body enhancement in Nepal as well. Body modification is a broad category that covers anything from common ear piercings to slipping silicone-based implants into skin.
The procedure is not harmful and won’t affect the body’s normal processes, but gives that extra edge, which is hard to match with any tattoo – in fact if done side-by-side it can add an extra dimension to tattoo.
Scarification has been practiced in Africa for centuries and the technique is slowly making its way across the globe.
Whatever you opt for, whether tattoos, piercing, silicone implants -- at the end of the day it’s the need for individualism that drives people. What looks like disfigurement to some, is the height of beauty to others. So keep an open mind and enjoy your life.
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