THE INKSTER // The Australian Tattoo Expo: Sydney

Walking the sunny streets of Sydney’s Darling Harbour last weekend, you might have noticed a fairly different crowd. From Friday to Sunday, the Sydney ICC was taken over by the 300+ artists, performers, and retailers that make up the Australian Tattoo Expo.

MORE: THE INKSTER // 7 Timeless Tattoo Tips: Part 1, Part 2 & Part 3

Four times a year, the Australian Tattoo Expo hits one of our major cities to showcase the importance and significance of tattoo culture. While the scale of these conventions has significantly increased in comparison to early expos, the bare bones have stayed the same: come to see amazing tattoos, incredible artists and experience all that is great about tattoo culture.

Bringing in artists from all over Australia and the world is one of the best parts of what the expo offers. This feast of different cultures and ideas are let loose in a free for all environment, where you can see (and experience if you’re brave enough) the different styles and methods of tattoos and tattooing in the modern day.

There’s something for everyone here. Have an interest in how tattooing has changed over the years and its impact on culture and society? Then the Rhys Gordon seminar on Australian Tattoo History would have been your top pick.

For those who don’t know, Rhys Gordon is the owner of Little Tokyo tattoo parlour in Sydney. He’s a true legend of the industry. His passion for tattooing courses throughout the seminar, even more so when talking about tattooing in society.

Rhys Gordon

“If you think you’re badass with your tattoo sleeves, the next time you see an old guy walking around with a body suit of old school tattoos you should buy him a beer. Cause you will never be as badass as that guy.” [Rhys Gordon]

Gordon refers back to the ostracisation of people from the general public, based on having tattoos. In the early days of tattooing in western culture, ‘being inked’ was something only for tradies, criminals, sailors, bikies and unpleasant types. You certainly wouldn’t wear your tattoos like a badge of honour, not like it’s done today.  

Along one wall of the expo hall was a board of original flash sheets from those pioneering days. Most from greater Sydney itself, the wall was a great visual representation of how far tattoo designs have become, both artistically and in their execution. Back then, there was no such thing as a customised design. For an early tattoo artist, it was a case of ‘use what you got and make it work’.

By now you might be thinking that the expo is only for those that are really engrossed in the tattoo world. Fear not, because if tattoo history isn’t your thing, perhaps seeing some badass tattooed women ruling the stage might be more up your alley?

Sullen Angels

On the main stage, alternative fashion group Sullen Angels were kicking off their inaugural Sullen Angel Competition series as part of the Australian Tattoo Expo program. The series will travel along with the Australian Tattoo Expo to Brisbane, Melbourne, and Perth during 2018.

But the Sydney angels. Wow. Talk about confident women showing off their bodies in all their tattooed glory. These women were here to say, ‘hell yeah chicks are made of strong stuff and you better not mess with us’.

Too much pageantry for you? Don’t worry, I have two words for you. Fuel. Girls.

They flew all the way out from the UK. A trio of gorgeous, tatted up ladies, performing fire stunts, acrobatics, and creating an aura of sexual rebellion that would make even a call girl blush. After all, how often do you get to see a beautiful woman eat fire, pour wax all over herself (and the cardboard cutout Donald Trump face on her crotch) or submerge herself in a bath and then perform acrobatics five feet in the air?

Fuel Girls

This show was definitely not for the kids, but received a standing ovation from the audience nonetheless.

They really have so much packed in to one weekend. Entertainment aside, you’ve got piercers of every kind, tattoo equipment suppliers, apparel shops, bong shops (a good selection too) and barbers who can give you that slick short back and sides, or put in a few dreadlocks.

And while all that is a big part of what makes tattoo expo the success it is, most of the crowd is there for one thing. Tattoos.

Snaking through tight aisles of booths there’s no shortage of tattooing. At times entire rows were packed head to toe with people receiving a tattoo from their chosen artist. Even the strong smell of disinfectant, or the constant buzz of a hundred tattoo machines running, couldn’t fault the ambiance of the hall. There large designs and small designs, full back or chest pieces, and more than a few heads. Your eyes never stayed on one area for more than a moment before something else pulled your attention.

The selection was abundant. Black and Grey, American Traditional, New School, Photo Realism and Lettering, there was an artist for every style. You could see artists hand poking tattoos, free handing tattoos, and even see a few head tattoos going on. There were artists drawing, designing and teaching throughout the hall; a truly organic creative space for so many artistic people to share in.

I cannot stress enough how wonderful it is that an expo like this can exist in our lives. The tattoo culture in Sydney, and the world, is stronger than ever. We as enthusiasts need to keep this momentum going in order to wipe out the stigmas still surrounding tattooing and body modifications. Even more important: keep the art form that is tattooing alive for many years to come.

If you want to check out the Australian Tattoo Expo when it hits your city, head to www.tattooexpo.com.au and keep an eye on their updates.