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December 5th, 2008
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Tattoo convention makes its mark

10th annual ink fest draws a colorful crowd from around the world
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By Ondřej Bouda
Staff Writer, The Prague Post

JAN PŘEROVSKÝ/THE PRAGUE POST
Attendees showed off their tats - and other body accessories - in Vršovice over the weekend.
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Artists came not only to work but to see new trends and buy tools.
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Eighty artists offered their designs, which enthusiasts could either choose from catalogs or have specially drawn to their wishes.
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The buzz of needles and the smell of disinfectant filled the hall as first-timers were initiated and others sought to increase their coverage.
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From the dawn of time, people have shunned those who differed from the majority, ridiculing and vilifying them for their differences. But even when abnormal individuals were pushed to the borders of society, they were still the center of attention, as a curious public would gape at curiosities from bearded women to elephant men at crowded fairs.
In Western society, extreme tattoos could likewise marginalize their bearers. While some cultures use body markings as symbols of religion or status, for centuries many tattoos have been associated with the darker realm of criminals, sailors, soldiers, courtesans and gang members. But, today, many Westerners embrace the magic of body art, drawn by its mystique and endless possibilities for self-expression.
With all this in mind, I set out to the 10th annual Tattoo Convention Prague, which took place at the Slavia Praha sports hall in Vršovice May 16–18. The constant drone of needles could be heard from a distance and reminded me of dental surgery. Upon entering, the first thing I noticed was the smell. Disinfectant mixed with beer, sweat and — despite many nonsmoking signs — marijuana. The overall effect reminded me of public toilets and did not help to improve my personal opinion of tattoos.
However, once I was on the floor, where 80 artists from all over the world were at work, my perspective started to change. The overwhelming smell of disinfectant came from the stalls as artists endlessly sterilized the skin under their needles. All was highly professional and customers received full-service treatment, starting with the tattoo design and ending several hours later when they left with their new body art covered in protective Cling Wrap.
People from different walks of life came to the convention. The Prague chapter of Hells Angels was present and members quickly set about enhancing their already heavily decorated bodies.
Others were there for their first tattoos and were timidly looking for a quiet place where they would not be noticed by journalists or photographers. “My boyfriend thinks it is really sexy and I am curious to try it,” said Petra as she had a small black rose tattooed on her chest.
Petr, another customer, decided to get the Full Monty. It would not be a proper tattoo if he remembered how it got there, so he had a few beers and a joint before deciding to have a tattoo across his buttocks that involved a nuclear power station and rats drilling for “the golden vein” (hemorrhoids). As he lay on the table, I asked him why he chose such a design.
“I got a tattoo while I was in the military, and I wanted something different. I love and respect rats and designed this so I can have a laugh with my girlfriend.” He claimed he couldn’t feel a thing as the needles drilled into his skin, and to prove the point he fell asleep. But he wasn’t the only one. Many other customers who had to lie still for several hours fell asleep at some point during the making of their tattoo. Obviously the process doesn’t hurt as much as I’d expected.
Trade conference
The tattoo artists hadn’t come to the convention only to do their art, but also to learn about new trends and buy equipment. “There are artists here from all over the world,” said California tattoo artist Phillip Spearman. “I came to learn what’s new and draw inspiration from all the different styles.” Artists declined to say how much they make per year but according to Spearman they can charge a rate of $200 (3,028 Kč) per hour. “You can definitely get them cheaper, but it’s better to pay for quality and originality as you’ll wear the tattoo for the rest of your life,” said Spearman.
Another artist agreed. “A proper tattoo salon costs at least $20,000 to furnish, but you can get a cheap one for $1,000 without proper sterilization. You can even make a tattoo machine out of the motor in a Walkman like some do in prison,” he said. “But customers will quickly discover that you’re selling cheap junk.”
I actually got to the point of considering getting a tattoo myself — something small and decent in black. However, the main event of the convention quickly pulled me back to reality.
On Saturday evening, Captain Howdy’s Flying Circus arrived from the United Kingdom. The show consisted of people covered in tattoos, and hanging from the ceiling by hooks in their skin. The overall effect was interesting but sickening. I decided to get a T-shirt instead, to prove that I’d been there, and left. Although I’ll definitely look at tattoos with a little more appreciation in the future, the line has to be drawn somewhere.

Ondřej Bouda can be reached at obouda@praguepost.com


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