The SA International Tattoo Convention
This past Friday, over 120 of the world’s most prominent tattoo artists set up shop at The Lookout at the V&A Waterfront to kick off the 6th annual South African International Tattoo Convention. For the next three days, the venue was buzzing with tattoo guns and tattoo enthusiasts alike, some there to watch artists at work and others there to participate, as shown by the many freshly cling-wrapped pieces on display.
As the only event of its kind in Africa, the SAITC is not only putting our country but also our continent on the global tattooing radar. The convention is considered world-class, boasting a unique advantage: its surroundings. When asked what sets the convention apart, many of the international artists simply gesture outside. The venue sits on the water’s edge, with a sea breeze running throughout and panoramic views showcasing all the natural beauty the Atlantic Seaboard has to offer. “As I get older, there are very few conventions that I’m sold on doing,” says Jenna Bouman, a New York artist returning for her fourth SAITC. “I definitely think that this is amongst the top three in the world”.
At the helm of the event is the team at Cape Electric, honing the operation to cater to those seeking tattoos from renowned international artists and those who simply want to soak in the atmosphere. Because music is an essential part of a tattoo shop’s atmosphere, DJs, live acts and even a brass band entertained on the main stage throughout the event.
The brands represented were carefully chosen to resonate with the tattoo world’s attention to detail and aesthetic appreciation. From bathrooms stocked with Lush products to an 'experience-focused' coffee bar next to a kombucha tasting station, and with hidden wireless phone chargers at every table in the food court, attendees could comfortably spend the whole day enjoying all that the convention had to offer. And, with over 100 artists in one room, there was a lot on offer.
The artists transformed their booths into extensions of their studios back home. Flash books, prints, and sketches were arranged for passersby to flip through to get a feel for the artist and choose their next tattoo. Adding to the individuality of each booth were hand-crafted personalised banners. These ranged from careful calligraphy to blown-out childhood portraits, from handsewn lettering to a dining-room-table-sized tapestry depicting one artist crowd surfing at his wedding.
“Tattoos are bigger than ever and there are more tattooers than ever before,” says Alan Thompson, who has three decades of tattooing under his belt. “These artists might be very successful but have nothing to do with how I tattoo and we’ll never cross paths. It’s like a tattoo multiverse.” At the SAITC, the ‘tattoo multiverse’ is being brought together, where traditional Sailor Jerry-inspired designs mingle with colourful cartoonish styles and delicate floral pieces side-by-side in unexpected cohesion.
Inherently a slow and meticulous process, tattooing is seemingly at odds with the fast-paced atmosphere of the convention. “There is no hurrying with tattooing,” says local artist Shaun Dean. “It can be chaotic at first, but once you get into it, it’s a vibe.”
Artists take the occasional haphazardness in their stride, fashioning headrests out of paper towel rolls, turning chairs into makeshift footrests, and propping up ring lights and headlamps with masterful precision. “I like to call it tattoo camping,” San Diego-based artist, Dean Flashman said while MacGyvering an armrest out of a foam roller and cling wrap. “It’s part of the experience, part of the fun.”
And ultimately the SAITC is all about the experience and the fun. This unique event brings together veterans and emerging artists, tattoo admirers and collectors, in a rare communal celebration of this intimately personal art form.
Words by Natalie Fraser for Letterhead
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