Book An Appointment With These Cool Tattoo Artists Visiting Singapore In 2024
Get inked by visiting international tattoo artists arriving on our shores this year
Singapore is poised to become a hotspot for tattoo enthusiasts with two major tattoo events scheduled in the upcoming months. The first event, the Pharaoh's Horses Tattoo Invitational, will take place this weekend from May 26 to 28 at the Mandala Club, followed by The Lion's Gate Singapore Tattoo Convention at the Singapore Expo in July. These events will showcase a diverse range of tattoo styles and talents from around the world.
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The Pharaoh's Horses Tattoo Invitational is a unique event dedicated exclusively to Western Traditional tattooing. Feroze Mcleod, founder of Bada Bink Tattoo Firm and event organizer, believes that this style, which he feels needs more recognition in Singapore, will take the spotlight. "The Western Traditional Tattoo style has not been widely recognized in the mainstream tattoo community in Singapore, so we aim to shine a light on this community," he shares.
Happening at the Mandala Club from May 24 to 26, the inaugural Pharaoh's Horses Tattoo Invitational aims to highlight Western Traditional Tattooing, a style that is sometimes overlooked in the vibrant tattoo culture of the region.
Attendees can anticipate a carefully curated experience, featuring approximately 30 local and international tattoo artists who will also be available for tattoo appointments. "Every artist has been carefully selected and curated to ensure the highest level of artistry and innovation within the Western Traditional Tattoo style," Mcleod explains. Additionally, the event will include food and drinks, panel discussions with guest artists, and the sale of paintings, prints, and other merchandise.
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Meanwhile, the inaugural Lion's Gate Singapore Tattoo Convention, running from July 26 to 28, also promises to be another highlight for tattoo enthusiasts. Alongside showcasing the artistry of international ink artists, the event will host a tattoo competition. Talented artists can apply to showcase their skills across various categories, including black and gray, colour, and traditional styles.
Tattoo artist Dennese Bilko is one of the names coming to town
For those seeking to expand their knowledge, exclusive seminars and workshops led by experienced professionals will provide insights into the latest tattooing techniques and industry trends.
The excitement surrounding tattoo conventions and visiting tattoo artists is tangible. "Being in a space where a community celebrates something they are passionate about is a beautiful experience," notes Mcleod. Ahead, FEMALE highlights some of the popular names heading to our shores.
TACO JOE
Who: Hailing from Sabah, Malaysia, Taco Joe commenced his tattooing journey in 2007 under the guidance of his mentor, Jim Losaria. In 2016, he made the move to Kuala Lumpur to establish 'Wayang Kulit Tatu' alongside his partner Julian Oh. Taco Joe seamlessly integrates aspects of Western traditional tattooing with diverse Eastern styles, drawing inspiration from the experimental abstraction of the 1990s era and his own Eastern heritage. This distinctive amalgamation encapsulates the dynamism and essence of tattooing, transcending conventional boundaries.
Dates in Singapore: Pharaoh’s Horses Tattoo Invitational event from May 24 to 26
How to make a booking: You can get inked by him at the Pharaoh’s Horses Tattoo or DM him on IG for an appointment slot.
Instagram and TikTok: @wayangkulittatu for both
ARSENIY BOJINOV
Who: Russian artist Arseniy Bojinov, now residing and working in the Canggu area of Bali, creates artworks deeply rooted in the rich cultural heritage of the Western Traditional style. His body of work often features classic motifs such as tigers, weapons, birds, skulls, and enigmatic, erotic women, epitomizing traditionalist art and setting his work apart. In addition to his contributions to tattooing, Bojinov is also a skilled fine artist. He recently curated a solo exhibition titled “I Love Medieval Torture,” which delves into humanity’s darker narratives, drawing inspiration from biblical and medieval themes to explore the duality of human nature, encompassing both good and evil.
Dates in Singapore: Pharaoh’s Horses Tattoo Invitational event from May 24 to 26
How to make a booking: You can get inked by him at the Pharaoh’s Horses Tattoo or DM him on Instagram for an appointment slot.
Instagram: @arseniybojinovtattoo
RUDIE RASHID
Who: Rudie Rashid, an Australian Malay tattoo artist based in Melbourne and affiliated with Inky’s Tattoo Parlour, has been practising tattooing since 2009. While specialising in American Traditional tattooing, he enriches his craft by infusing Japanese and Malay elements into his designs, drawing from his diverse Asian heritage. Additionally, Rashid and his wife, Brooke, established a thriving line of handmade vegan aftercare products under the brand Inky Tattoo Salve in 2017.
Dates in Singapore: Pharaoh’s Horses Tattoo Invitational event from May 24 to 26
How to make a booking: You can get inked by him at the Pharaoh’s Horses Tattoo or DM
him on Instagram for an appointment slot.
Instagram: @rudietattoo
DENNESE BILKO
Who: Dennese Bilko embarked on her tattooing journey in Kuwait at the age of 14, when her parents befriended an elderly Filipino man who practised traditional, old-school tattooing. In 2010, she decided to fully dedicate herself to tattooing in the Philippines, establishing her own studio, Dames and Daggers. However, the pandemic necessitated its closure. Presently, she collaborates with friends at Good Hand Tattoo in Manila. Currently, in an experimental phase, Bilko's style has transitioned from classic traditional tattoos to a fusion of Western traditional influences, surrealism, dark imagery, and nature-inspired designs.
Dates in Singapore: Pharaoh’s Horses Tattoo Invitational event from May 24 to 26
How to make a booking: You can get inked by her at the Pharaoh’s Horses Tattoo or DM her on Instagram for an appointment slot.
Instagram: @deedee.dumb
PAUL BOOTH
Who: For decades, Paul Booth, a renowned American tattoo artist, has been a prominent figure in the tattoo industry. His dark and macabre style is his trademark, specializing in black and gray horror-themed tattoos that often feature intricate depictions of skulls, demons, and other gothic imagery. His unique artistic vision has earned him a dedicated following and widespread acclaim.
Dates in Singapore: The Lion’s Gate Singapore Tattoo Convention at Singapore Expo Hall 4B, July 26 to 28
How to make a booking: DM him on Instagram for an appointment slot.
Instagram and TikTok: @paulbooth and @paulboothtattoo respectively
CHEN JIE
Who: Based in Beijing, Chen Jie is the proprietor of Newtattoo Studio and has been a significant figure in the tattoo industry since commencing her career in 2004. Establishing Newtattoo Studio in 2005, she swiftly garnered immense popularity on Instagram, where her remarkable work is widely celebrated. Inspired by traditional Chinese art and nature, Chen Jie's tattoos are renowned for their delicate lines, intricate details, and soft, watercolour-like style, imbuing them with an ethereal, painterly quality.
Dates in Singapore: The Lion’s Gate Singapore Tattoo Convention at Singapore Expo Hall 4B, July 26 to 28
How to make a booking: DM her on Instagram for an appointment slot.
Instagram and TikTok: @chenjie.newtattoo
SHIN GUN
Who: Originally from South Korea, Shin Gun is a seasoned tattoo artist hailing from Silkwave Studio, boasting an impressive 16 years of experience. A master in the art of tattooing, he specialises in the Asian traditional style. Shin Gun's work is celebrated for its precision and elegance, seamlessly blending traditional Korean elements with modern techniques. Recently, he clinched the 1st Place award for Best Asian Traditional and Best Treasure at the Golden State in California.
Dates in Singapore: The Lion’s Gate Singapore Tattoo Convention at Singapore Expo Hall 4B, July 26 to 28
How to make a booking: DM him on Instagram for an appointment slot.
Instagram: @silkwave_shingun