Intricate, snaking tattoos, tongue piercings, mohawks and body modifications of all kinds were on full display at the 4th International Nepal Tattoo Convention that concluded on 27 April.
More than 80 tattoo artists from all over the world, including Japan, Thailand, India, Australia, and UK participated in the three-day event, which saw hundreds of tattoo enthusiasts in attendance.
Photos: JAN MØLLER HANSEN
Before even stepping in, visitors were greeted by the distinctly audible, low buzz of the tattoo needle as it danced across these human canvases. All around, customers were splayed out in various positions at tattoo booths patiently waiting for the designs to be etched permanently onto their skin. The mood was generally festive, with many customers lapping up the attention as they showed off their body tats, and one even gamely winking for the camera.
One of the highlights was a body suspension show performed by a group of artists from North Team Suspension and Indigenak Modification Industries from Spain. Aptly titled ‘Tolerance of Pain’, attendees were left gasping visibly in shock during the show when artists were hoisted up into mid-air via hooks pierced into their bare backs.
Organised by Nepal Tattoo and supported by Mu’az Entertainment and Mohan’s Tattoo Inn, the convention was truly a great celebration of the art form that is both appreciated and shunned in equal measures.
Read also:
Get inked TSERING DOLKER GURUNG
Kathmandu ink FOO CHEE CHANG