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🇦🇺 Australia /Culture & Society

'Bottomless pit of styles' on display at Gold Coast tattoo exhibition

From ABC Australia · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

In-depth Sources not specified Context piece
  • An art exhibition on the Gold Coast showcases the evolution and diversity of tattoo artistry.
  • Co-curated by tattoo artists Benji Tobin and Dan Johnston, 'Made to Suit' features over 30 full-body tattoo designs on canvas.
  • The exhibition highlights how tattooing has moved from a subculture to a mainstream art form, with artists expressing personal journeys through their work.

The Gold Coast is hosting 'Made to Suit,' an art exhibition celebrating the vast and evolving world of tattoo artistry. Co-curated by veteran tattoo artists Benji Tobin and Dan Johnston, the exhibition features over 30 full-body tattoo designs rendered on canvas, reflecting the diverse styles and personal narratives within the industry.

Mate, this isn't going to turn out the way we thought

— Benji TobinRecounting his early, less successful attempts at tattooing.

Tobin, who began tattooing in 1993, noted the dramatic transformation of the art form. "It was the bikies, the crims, the naughty boys," he recalled, contrasting it with today's reality where "you can go and get a coffee and the barista has a face tattoo." He aimed to bring the "cliquey" tattoo community together and showcase its stylistic breadth.

Unfortunately, all my mates I grew up with have got the worst tattoos I've ever done

— Benji TobinReflecting on his initial tattooing experiences.

Johnston's contribution to the exhibition is deeply personal. His piece depicts 13 samurai-inspired crabs battling a cancer symbol, a reflection of his wife's recent brain cancer diagnosis. "I tried to make it a little bit about a journey that's happening in my life," he explained. "It was personal and I thought, 'I have to nail this and get it out.'"

It was the bikies, the crims, the naughty boys. Now you can go and get a coffee and the barista has a face tattoo.

— Benji TobinDescribing the shift in societal perception of tattooed individuals.

Stephanie King, a tattoo artist for 14 years, has witnessed numerous trends, including the recent boom in fine-line and sticker-style tattoos. While known for hyper-realistic black and white work, she adapted her style for 'Made to Suit.' King observed the industry's shift, noting, "It's changed quite a bit, there's a lot more women in the industry now." The exhibition aims to capture this dynamic landscape, moving beyond old stereotypes to reveal tattooing as a complex, mainstream art form.

What I tattoo isn't what I get, what I like and what I get are two different things. I'm covered in black and grey but I tattoo in colour.

— Benji TobinExplaining the difference between his personal style and his professional work.
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Originally published by ABC Australia. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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