NYC TATOO CONVENTION May 2011

Photography by Guy Heart

On a sunny afternoon in May, we went for a short drive to visit the 14th NYC tattoo convention. The event was held at the historic “the Roseland Ballroom”, at 52nd Street a couple of busy, bustling blocks away from Times Square, the heart of  Manhatten.The Roseland is a legendary location for special occasions and the story of ballroom dancing and entertainment began here eight decades ago.

Photography by Guy Heart

This is a convention that offers more than just tattoos, outside the doors we passed by very colourful and intense looking characters. All NYC’s tribes were present, from pretty burlesque tattooed pin-up models to almost Vikinger-esque looking Hells Angels.

We entered the venue and were flooded by the sound of relentless drilling of the ink needles which became the athmospheric hum of the afternoon.

For $20 you get a full day’s experience of many different styles of tattoo art and designs.  We browsed curiously all stores which offered an intriguing variety of low - brow and black market art, jewelry, rock and roll gear and many more original items.

Photography by Guy Heart

The lack of entertainment as far as bands, side show acts and burlesque compared to conventions across the world was disappointing. Fair enough, it is a tattoo show and priority is tattooing without distruction. We certainly noticed many stunning creations, and the elite earned their prizes. On Friday Ish from Tattooish in Netherlands Antilles, walked away with the Best of Day trophy. On Saturday Placaso, from California, won his first of two.

Saturday is also the day when a lot of people go up to Paul Booth’s famous studio Last Rites after the convention closes, to view a gallery opening featuring macabre art made by the foremost tattoo artists.

Photography by Guy Heart

With respect to the art of tattooing, it seems that the American is a little more receptive to new ideas than the European who rather performs by the rules. However it appears to me that here you can change around and mix things up.

Photography by Guy Heart

The Ban....
Back in 1961, tattooing in New York City was forced underground when the City Health Department figured it had found a series of hepatitis cases coming from studios.
It wasn't until 1985 - 24 years later, but still 12 years before it would be legal again in 1997 - that the New York Tattoo Society came together to apply for legalising their trade again.
At the beginning, the city introduced unworkable regulations that included $5000 licensing fees, and decorating restrictions.
 Eventually, sanity prevailed and a set of regulations that would work for both artists and the city came about - these included a $100 dollar licence fee and a health department examination. Conversely, artists found operating illegally, could face serious fines.

Photography  by Guy Heart

“Today NYC is the place where activity and excitement brings the world's most famous names together.”

Review by Annette Heart