In pictures: Tattooing in Taiwan

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Introduction

Some of the top tattoo artists from Taiwan and their models gathered recently in Taipei for a tattoo convention and exhibition.

Its aim was to promote the art and culture of tattooing.

Featuring competitions and on-the-spot opportunities for tattooing, it was also part of efforts to upgrade the skills of local tattoo artists; and create greater public interest in their work.

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Mermaid

Tattooing is becoming more mainstream in Taiwan. More women are having tattoos, and many aren't shy about making a dramatic statement.

They prefer images that are related to beauty, such as butterflies or flowers.

Men tend to opt for more traditionally masculine images, like tigers and dragons.

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Tsai Jong Da, master tattooist

"I wouldn't call myself an artist. I am still self-searching. I call myself a realiser: you tell me what you want, I'll make it come true.

"In the past tattoos were associated with gangsters. But it's changing.

"More women are having tattoos. In the past maybe only one in 10 of my customers were women; now it's six or seven out of 10."

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Amy Chen, 22

"I wanted to put some beautiful thing on my body - while I'm still young. It's not really painful, actually, if you like it.

"It's like a butterfly genie... or girl fighter. It's a very, very different tattoo. I didn't see anyone else with one like this in Taiwan.

"It would probably have taken more than 60 hours to finish this in one sitting. But I had this tattoo drawn over two years: after school, I would go in the studio every day for a couple of hours."

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Andy Shou, tattoo artist

"Before, most of my customers were very young. But now, I have clients right across the generations - the oldest was 75.

"Tattoos are becoming more acceptable these days. More people are appreciating their beauty; and negative perceptions are slowly being erased.

"I call this tattoo 'drama dream person'. This individual was a Chinese emperor. His life was really dramatic. There was extreme happiness and extreme sadness. The piece took 100 hours to finish."

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Song Soon Chung

"I'm really delighted to have this painting on my body. I can appreciate it every day, and will do for the rest of my life.

"Other people are quite jealous when they see my tattoo; they really envy me for this great painting on my body."

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Why have a tattoo?

Why do people want to have tattoos? Some say it reflects an element of psychological domination.

People who have a tattoo want to be noticed. They feel that if people see their tattoo, they'll show more respect towards them.

Some believe it's like a coat of armour covering up a lack of self-confidence.

Others see it as a form of self-empowerment and self-expression.

But for many younger people, the more likely reason is that it has become fashionable.

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Tattoo trend

The local pop culture - with more actors, singers and TV stars having tattoos - has had a big influence on the current trend for tattooing.

Younger people are beginning to consider tattoos as a form of beauty and an expression of personal style.

Taiwan's tattooists often use images influenced by Buddhism and ancient Chinese mythical animals.

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Tattoo for life

Tattoo artists treat the human body as a living canvas, turning it into a work of art.

While some customers choose a tattoo from a book or catalogue, others draw their own designs, or ask the tattooist to produce a specific design for them taking into account their personality, and the shape of their body.

Tattoos are a very personal statement. They should be - the result will last a client's entire life.

Words and pictures by Caroline Gluck

crossover SG

i don’t mind having tattoo on my thigh. most likely i’m gonna have ONE and ONLY on my body. but think it’s gonna be after NS, play safe. dun wanna get tekan or aim for tattoo. haha

dragg SG

show ladies with tattoo in front!!!