Chennai has a thriving tattoo culture — from the small, fading green ones you see on elderly forearms, to the more intricate contemporary ones that adorn the limbs and napes of the city’s young and restless. Neotribe, a nature-inspired collective based in Thiruvananthapuram, hopes to tap into this market at Tarazwa, a tattoo festival to be held today and tomorrow at The Wild Garden Cafe in Amethyst.
While The Park Chennai has been bringing down celebrity tattoo artist Sameer Patange for several years now, Tarazwa (Gujarati for ‘tattoo’) promises to be a larger gathering from the community across India. The inaugural edition was held in Kochi in January, located in a similar boho setting at the Panchamama Art Cafe. One lady even rode a scooter all the way from Hampi to be a part of the event. Nirupama Thomas, who runs Neotribe full time with Adel Parviz, says, “We had Manipuri artist Mo Naga in Kochi, but we wanted a different lineup fior our first event in Chennai. So we have Sunny Bhanushali who is known for his hyper realistic work; Daniel Brutus aka D’Crank from Kochi with his abstract aesthetic; and local partners, Irezumi Studios, among others.”
Tell your tale
In total, 12 artists will be tattooing from a dozen booths, while they expect about 50 artists to attend and be a part of the conversation. The idea is to create an open platform for the exchange of ideas between senior and newer tattoo artists, and bring the public into the space as well. Thomas explains, “We want to spread the idea that you tell your story through a tattoo — it’s not something you pick out of a menu card. It’s more than just a fashion statement.”
Misconceptions about the art form, safety and hygiene standards to be expected and after care will be discussed and explained to first timers. Naveen Nandakumar, founder of the 13-year-old Irezumi, says, “Events like this will help chip away the taboo that revolves around tattoos. It’s also a great way to educate upcoming artists to be responsible for the skin they put their work on.”
Music is an integral part to the atmosphere they create at the Tarazwa tattoo festival. A scene from the Kochi edition at Panchamama Art Cafe.
Music is an integral part to the atmosphere they create at the festival, says Thomas. “Apart from live music by Kochi-based DJ Savyo and Sinoy Devassy, the troupe from On the Streets of Chennai will share stories from the city through their songs. We’ll also have instruments available so guests can jam with other musicians. In the first edition, we had an hour-long impromptu session by one of the visitors,” she says. A curation of “happy stores”, featuring decor, art and clothing, is also on the cards. And if you get peckish, head to the cafe for a bite from their summer menu.
Tarazwa takes place today and tomorrow at The Wild Garden Cafe, Amethyst, Whites Road, Royapettah, from 11 am. Tickets at ₹300 on in.bookmyshow.com. Tattoo charges additional. 8078819516
