Tattooing in Taichung

By Daniel White
Translated by S. Ying

Since time immemorial, tattoos have been a means of expression. Through tattoos, we showcase our cultures, our identities, and our art. Here in Taiwan, tattoos have in recent times been associated with crime and gangs, but that old stereotype is finally starting to give way to acceptance of what is often one of the greatest artistic expressions of our time.

Taichung is home to a significant number of shops and artists offering world-class tattoos created with equally outstanding skill. The artists featured here are just a few out of so many deserving of mention, including Raymond of Raymond Tattoos on FuXing Road, or Jon Renzella who works out of Lei Gallery. The following galleries all specialize in different styles, but the artists can do pretty much anything with a tattoo gun.

Imperial Sky
(04) 2452-4260
227, FengJia Rd, Xitun Dist
Hours: 2:30 pm-1 am
http://www.imperialsky-tattoo.com/

With over seven years experience crafting tattoos in Taichung, Imperial Sky's Jason Hsiao has mastered geometric tattoo design. Having won many awards overseas, Jason's skill is well-known here and abroad. Though his figure drawing and traditional Japanese-style tattoos are also amazing, his best work combines organic curving objects with rigid structural details that provide contrast and balance. The color schemes are generally simple, predominantly black and red with touches of yellow. The art is extremely precise and echoes the style of M.C. Escher even as it pushes the boundaries so much further.

Jason's advice to someone getting a first tattoo: It's probably not as painful as you think it will be. He says that he sometimes has customers pass out before he even starts the tattoo just because they think it will hurt so much.

Lion King
(04) 2452-7584
3, Lane 55, WenHua Rd, Xitun Dist
Hours: 5 pm-2 am
Facebook: 獅王紋身 高斌 (Lion King tattoo)

Gaobin focuses on larger tattoos and favors vivid, colorful designs. He often depicts imagery typical of traditional Japanese art married with the rich traditions of Taiwanese legends and myths. He adopts the Japanese style of tattoo art, but adds a modern flair and realism that seems to bring his figures to life. The awards covering his wall are testament to his ability.

From a young age, Gaobin struggled academically in school and increasingly turned to art as a means of escape and comfort. He first tried his hand at construction but ended up following the call of his art into the world of tattoos. Today his tattoos as well as his art on canvas have become internationally recognized, with one of his paintings due to be put on exhibition at the Royal Ontario Museum in Canada.

Gaobin has been tattooing in Taichung for over a decade and currently works out of his studio, Lion King, in Fengjia Night Market. In addition to tattoos, he is also a promoter of the arts in Taiwan, having just spent some time in Mailiao (麥寮鄉) helping students create a mural that will hopefully inspire a new generation of artists.

Gaobin's advice to anyone considering a first tattoo: Think twice before you get a tattoo. It should be something remarkable and meaningful. Don't just follow trends.

Tattoo Yue
440, ZhongMei St, West Dist
0919-400-430, 0938-527-698
Horus: 2-11 pm
Facebook: 彫岳創作刺青TATTOO

Tattoo Yue has been operated by owner Dalin for about six years and tends to favor a traditional Japanese style. For about a year now, artist Laba has been working here and has a very unique style, merging organic figures and forms with complex geometric borders. He freestyles most of his tattoos, adding elements as he works based on the conversations he has with his customers. The end result is a tattoo with richer meaning and symbolism than the customer first asked for.

Laba's advice for getting a first tattoo: Be careful where you get it. You should be able to cover it up for work, because some places still think that people with tattoos are somehow related to gangs. Get something unique and meaningful to you and avoid taking something from a wall or book.

Night Action Tattoos
361, ZhongQing Rd, Sec 1, North Dist
(04) 2206-2526
Housr: 2 pm-2 am
Facebook: Night Action Tattoo Family夜行刺青

Night Action Tattoos, which has been around about 13 years, has a very strong reputation for quality and professionalism and is one of the city's bigger establishments. Artist Wu has gathered a very large group of artists under his wing and helped them develop their own unique styles and abilities. While Wu himself favors traditional styles from across Asia, the other artists offer a mosaic of design choices, from cartoons and abstract to watercolors and sketch inspired tattoos. When Wu finished university, he had hoped for a career in comic book art, but poor pay forced him to work other jobs until he found himself creating tattoos, finally finding a career that allowed him to focus on his art.

Wu's advice for getting a first tattoo: Getting a tattoo to remember or commemorate your past or as a gift to yourself to celebrate a hallmark in your life is fine, but you should never get a tattoo declaring your love for your girlfriend or boyfriend.

Although the notion that only gangsters and criminals have tattoos isn't completely dead, the public is finally starting to accept them as a platform for artistic expression and identity. Should you decide to express yourself with a tattoo, get one as unique as you are, one that speaks to your soul, and one that helps you tell the world "this is who I am".