09/26/12 - 0 Comments
The Eighth Annual London Tattoo Convention Set to Kick Off with Art & Music
There is something inherently sexy about a well-designed tattoo, especially on a woman. Ladies, let’s be honest, there aren’t many of us who haven’t stared at Angelina Jolie’s tough-girl ink or Megan Fox’s elegant rib writing and wished we could pull off this fashionable brand of body art. Even the cute little star on Gisele’s wrist has its charm. Yep, at some point in our lives, we’ve all flirted with the idea of getting a tattoo. Some of us are even girl enough to brave the needle (and a stern talking to from our mamma) and get some artsy ink of our own.
Whether we have the ink or not, one thing’s for sure—we’re intrigued. So, naturally, we’re excited to check out the eighth annual London Tattoo Convention at Tobacco Dock this weekend (September 28 to September 30). Who knows? We might even come home with some body art.
With over 20,000 visitors last year, the 2012 London Tattoo Convention is sure to draw a crowd. And how could it not, with more than 300 of the world’s biggest and baddest tattoo designers from 35 different countries set to attend this year’s festivities? Personally, we’re excited to see Miami Ink and NY Ink star Ami James and Mr Asaka of Japan. Ladies, if you’re into tattoos, these really are two names you must know. Forget celebrities with ink—these guys are definitely the real stars of the tattoo world.
Both Ami and Asaka are set to appear as guest speakers at the convention, along with the Amsterdam Tattoo Museum’s traveling exhibit—a show with some great vintage photos from the ’50s, ’60s and ’70s featuring classic tattoo designs. The Amsterdam Tattoo Museum is, in fact, the first “real” museum dedicated to the art of tattoos, so they definitely know their stuff. If you’re looking for some inspiration for your next batch of ink, you’ll definitely find it here.
This year’s London Tattoo Convention will also play host to a wide array of heavily inked performers with a lineup that is scandalously similar to a circus side show, although definitely much more tastefully avant garde. This year’s guests include Italy’s Les Soeurs Tribales, a modern dance group that combines an urban groove with belly dancing, the fire-breathing rock show Fuel Girls and The Sword Swallowing Showgirl (really, there’s no further explanation needed).
If scantily clad performers aren’t your thing, though, no worries. The London Tattoo Convention also has a pretty impressive musical lineup, with blues guitarist Larry Miller, Henry’s Funeral, The Dalston Devil Trio (an unexpected name for a very smooth saloon jazz group, or “ragtime oompa sleaze,” as the band prefers) and Neville Staple from The Specials all set to make an appearance. Be sure to check the online schedule, since each of the performers and musicians will be on stage multiple times throughout the event, giving you plenty of time to see the shows and browse through the vendor booths because, let’s be honest, what’s a convention without a little swag to take home?
If you’re looking to arrange some fun co-ed entertainment, it doesn’t get much simpler than this (as we all know, it’s not always easy to convince boyfriends and guy friends to tag along on museum excursions). At this year’s London Tattoo Convention, art meets exhibitions and lots of inked up skin in a mix that’s sexy and culturally enriching, and the tickets start at just £20 for the day (£55 for a three day pass).
Even if you’re not looking to get a tattoo, it’s worth going just to check out the artwork and maybe bring some of it home in a frame. Trust us, these designs are so cool that they’ll look equally appealing hanging in your living room as they do when they’re permanently etched into your skin (that, and a framed tattoo is much easier to explain to your parents over the holidays). Either way, this year’s London Tattoo Convention promises to bring edgy fun with an artsy twist.
Photo credit: London Tattoo Convention
