The efforts of Nepal Tattoo Pvt Ltd, the gathering brings the single largest collection of world-renowned tattoo artists and tattoo companies—Tattoo Empire and Tattoo Gizmo— to the Valley. Billed as Nepal’s first, the organizers hope to tap into the growing interest in permanent body art amongst youth. [break]
However, Mohan Gurung, senior tattooist and one of the organizers, knows that body art in Nepal is not a new trend or a recent fad. “Inking has been in our society for centuries. It’s also mentioned in the Vedas and the ancient scriptures.”
The sentiment chimes with those of Anil Chitrakar, cultural commentator, who added, “Tattooing has been an integral part of Nepali culture for centuries- - Tharu and Jyapoo communities are two fine examples of that.”
Although more prevalent among the farming community, the art of inking was believed to have been a passage to afterlife. Chitrakar further said, “During old times it was believed tattoos were carried with the soul after death and is a connection to the body’s past in the journey of reincarnation.”
After the discovery of Otzi -the Iceman, in September 1991, in a high altitude region on the border between Italy and Austria, further strengthened the fact that tattooing has been around for a very long time. Dead since 3300 BC, he had 57 tattoos on his body.
Although primitive in nature – nothing more than dots or lines – it proves that the inking is not a recent obsession, but spanning couple of centuries.
However, the trend of body figuration has never been and will perhaps never be a completely normative social practice. Chitrakar reasons, “Human body is perfect as it is, and most would reason that tattooing will only compromise its purity and is still defined as a deviant social practice.”
Even though its popularity spiked during the 1960s with the hippie generation deeming the art ‘cool’, tattooing was still a hush-hush affair, relegating the artist to an almost underground cult status, fueled further by criminal and gang subcultures embracing tattoos. Because of this, tattooing could not be more distant from its once “spiritual” reputation of yesteryear.
Nonetheless, with changing times, and recent media hype, thanks to reality television shows like ‘LA Ink’—that depicts tattoo artists and their clients in Los Angeles – the trend has seen resurgence with the aspect of ‘art’ taking the center stage. We stand at a turning point in the history of tattooing, in both fascination with, and sociological understanding of the practice.
“A decade back, when I started, the profession was not taken positively. People used to think it was only for junkies. However the mindset has changed and people are appreciating the art,” adds Gurung who points out that 30 studios in the capital, is a sign of acceptance.
Unlike previous eras where tattoos could only be acquired if an individual personally knew an artist or was brave enough to ‘risk’ entering a tattoo parlor, the modern tattoo enthusiast coming from various walks of life has the ease of locating a tattoo artist to fit their budget and preference.
However, with commercialization comes the risk of not meeting the standards-- safety, hygiene or craftsmanship, which the organizer feels could be the major stumbling block for Nepal to become a potential tattooing destination.
According to Bijay Shrestha, another organizer, “Despite being rooted in history, the tattoo scene has still not reached to its potential; we want to educate and bring uniformity in this art form.”
He believes that the exchange of ideas during the convention will be an opportunity for local artistes to polish their craft and acquire knowledge on various methods and designs of tattoos.
Artists have arrived from countries like Germany and Thailand, to swap stories, check out the art, and as many put it – “To build links.”
Aspiring tattoo artists will also get to show off their skills in front of some of the world’s best, artists. Some of the big names making their attendance are Marcus from Smilin’ Demons Tattoo, Germany; Laurent Maina, Marseille, France; and Guinness Rishi from India who holds the record of having the most flag tattoos.
With 15,000 people expected over the next three days, there is plenty of skin to be decorated. According to Gurung the National Convention, last year saw 5,000 people, going beyond expectations.
A total of 57 tattoo artists, from 10 different countries, have been registered for the convention, which aims to promote Nepali culture, apart from tattoos and piercing.
According to the organizers, special emphasis will be given to traditional designs, and musical acts such as Murchanna, Rock Sitar and Kutumba will be performing.
Traditional Tharu tattoo work will also be showcased during the event. Apart from that, a seminar will be held by Andrea Afferni, Italian tattooist; contest and competitions are all a part of the festivities.
The three-day event, which starts today, will have more than needles and cool graphics. Whether you’re covered in tattoos or just have a passing interest in the art, there should be something of interest for anyone involved.
Friday, April 22 (11:00 am to 6:30 pm)
4:00 pm – Performance by Murchunna
5:30 pm - Competitions:
• Arm Sleeve (colorful)
• Leg Sleeve (black n grey)
• Small Piece (black n grey)
• Best of the day
Saturday, April 23 (9:30 am to 6:30 pm)
Vintage bike and car exhibits
10:00 am – Seminar on color realism and portrait by Andrea Afferni, Italian tattooist.
4:00 pm – Performance by Rock Sitar, accompanied by French dancer Manjushree
5: 30 pm - Competitions:
• Arm Sleeve (black n grey)
• Leg Sleeve (colorful)
• Ladies Tattoo
• Best of the day
Sunday, April 24
9:00 am – Seminar on Universal Precautions & Blood Borne Pathogens by Jeni Shurley.
4:00 pm – Performance by Kutumba
5:30 pm - Competitions:
• Best Front Piece
• Best Back Piece
• Small Piece (colorful)
• Best of the day
• Best of the show
Nepal Red Cross Medico will be on standby throughout the event to assist, in case of any emergency.
Tickets are available at all tattoo parlors in town and at the door. Tickets priced at Rs 200 per day and Rs 600 for all three days, including special privileges.
The venue is no smoking, no alcohol zone, and all children under the age of 16 have to be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
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