\u201cThere is a large dichotomy of work in the industry with the two fields being classified as belonging to either \u2018tattoos\u2019 or \u2018tattoo art\u2019. The first is what most people would commonly associate with tattoo studios – pre-fabricated or flash designs, quick appointments often comprising of smaller sized works. The second, tattoo art, is what we define as unique creations by genuine artists,\u201d Anderson explains.<\/span><\/p>\n He says, acceptance of tattooing as a mainstream form of body modification has grown exponentially in popularity over the past few years with the number of shops in Hong Kong exploding from less than fifty to well over 200 today. <\/span><\/p>\n \u201cLack of any government regulations of studio operational requirements as well as venue location are partially fueling this dramatic increase. One noticeable shift relates more to prominence rather than any specific kind of tattoos being chosen. Many becoming more comfortable with visible tattoos, choosing to proceed with full sleeves (i.e. ink covering their arms – from shoulders to wrist). However, while this growth in studios has – primarily for younger generations – raised the profile or perhaps again acceptance of tattooing it is harder to say whether the differentiation between \u2018tattoos\u2019 and \u2018tattoo art\u2019 as a readily available choice to those getting tattoos poses a question that is much harder to quantify.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n There is a large amount of competition if speaking in relation to general market share. Yet here comparisons to any other industry \u2013 such as between bulk sale retailers or boutique producers \u2013 can be made. Our artists\u2019 are the only capable of creating a range of particular aesthetics, having developed a number of techniques in tattooing. For example Joey Pang is the world\u2019s only professional Chinese calligraphy and Asian brush painting tattoo artist. Just with traditionally mainstream artistic mediums such as painting, any genuine artist will have their own style of composition, thereby fundamentally operating as a monopoly for their particular aesthetic. Additionally, each commission we complete is created for the single client and then never repeated so it is a far more collaborative process. What sets the work apart? If anyone across the globe wished for a piece in the artists\u2019 particular style then they have a single choice of where to procure this.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n Joey Pang<\/p><\/div>\n Joey Pang, Tattoo Temple\u2019s founder and Art Director, has dedicated herself to capturing a deeper, more authentic portrayal of Chinese culture through the utilization of a medium where none had existed before (i.e. skin). \u201cThrough the European acceptance of tattooing we have created space to forge a \u2018cultural bridge\u2019 between Eastern and Western aesthetics. Without relegating or constraining compositions to the static canvas Joey established an entirely new category of patrons who were previously unaware of Chinese artistic traditions. Equally, whilst historically consigned only to underground associations particularly here in Hong Kong her vision extends to presenting tattoo art to Eastern audiences as embodying a capacity for legitimate artistry through the implementation of culturally venerated techniques.<\/span><\/p>\n![\"\"](\"http:\/\/www.mediazone.com.hk\/hkmvc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/07\/hkmvc17_tattootemple5-1.jpg\")
<\/p>\nDifferent Strokes <\/span><\/h3>\n
Art as Focal Point <\/span><\/h3>\n
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\u201cWe are currently finalizing a new collaboration with an American sculpture that will be the first display of body art of its kind \u2013 this will first be exhibited in Los Angeles in late 2016 before moving throughout different galleries overseas. We will also be releasing a painting collection which offers a novel interpretation of traditional Asian water-brush techniques that are further being transitioned into tattoo art over the coming years. The first of Joey Pang\u2019s \u2018Modern Ink\u2019 canvases will be shown at City Hall here in Hong Kong this December.\u201d <\/span><\/p>\n