London International Tattoo Convention
October 20th, 2009 by Adam
Now in its fifth year London’s International Tattoo Convention has grown to be an essential date on the calendar for anyone interested in the culture of body art, whether as a collector, artist or casual voyeur.
The striking thing when you first arrive is the variety of people in the crowd. It speaks volumes about the draw of tattoo art in modern culture that one look down the toilet and bar queues (a sight to behold in their own right) takes in every type from glamour girls in tiny skirts, nappied men with fully inked body suits, polo-shirted fashionable lads or run of the mill New Rock-stomping goths. The brilliant thing is… everyone’s there for the same reason. Whether as a casual fan with a few small pieces or a more avid collector filling that last gap, they’ve all dragged themselves down to the Docklands on a sunny Sunday afternoon to see the work on show.
Roaming the aisles the range of nationalities that are present makes for a huge visual impact. This isn’t limited to the styles of artwork, which run the whole spectrum from fifties Sailor Jerry styles to cutting edge visuals from the Japanese techno-organic crowd, but also in the tattooing methods and styles of presentation. Watching Norse and Polynesian wooden tools at work is an eye-watering spectator sport in itself and these sit alongside professional, business-like booths displaying delicately sculpted tattoo guns and the latest tshirt designs on laptop slideshows. Most of the artists have taken the chance to show off their work outside of tattooing as well, with some breathtakingly high quality hand-drawn prints and sketch books on show, all available for a price.
It’d be impossible to name too many specific, stand-out artists but a handful of names worth keeping an eye out for:
Human Fly – eye-popping technicolors from Madrid
Amanda Toy – classic US stylings erring on the side of cute
FZ Tattoo – imposing fantasy craftsmanship from Beijing
Mo’o Tatau – traditional, bold Pacific patterns
Blood and Milk, Rudy De Amicis – uniquely dark and surreal concepts
The venue has to take a huge part of the credit for creating such an enjoyable, relaxed atmosphere. The old location at the Truman Brewery was functional at best, whereas the Tobacco Docks are a genuine pleasure to walk around, with outside spaces ideal for a few drinks and high, vaulted ceilings over wide indoor spaces that make the whole experience feel more like a day at the mall than a hectic convention. The building is filled with a quiet buzzing, both of tattoo guns and background conversation, but with hardly any of the mosh-like crowds you could previously get sucked into.
Aside from ink being put into skin, of which there is plenty in all shapes and sizes, there’s plenty to see and do with a selection of clothes shops, two stages showcasing new talent, established bands and burlesque performances, celebrity signings (well, if you count the Suicide Girls and Vikki Blows as celebrities) and a choice of places to eat and drink. The convention organisers have tried to construct a genuine, dare I say, family day out for the alternative scene, and going by this year’s attempt they’re on the right track. Same time next year? I’ll pack a picnic.
