Traditional Japanese Irezumi tattoo artist Ryugen has used Tebori hand poke tattooing for more than 20 years and will be attending this weekend's expo. Photo/supplied
Traditional Japanese Irezumi tattoo artist Ryugen has used Tebori hand poke tattooing for more than 20 years and will be attending this weekend's expo. Photo/supplied
There are many reasons people choose to get a tattoo. For some it symbolises culture and heritage. For others, images are reminders of special people and places.
"Many people, however, are art collectors and take pride in having a custom piece of art," says Chris Preece, organiser of this weekend'sTattoo and Art Expo at the Queen Elizabeth Youth Centre.
Around 150 tattoo artists from all over the world will be at the expo, including American Ink Masters Jime Litwalk, who creates unique illustration work, and Tatubaby, who specialises in realism.
These two artists alone have a social media following of 1.5 million people, says Mr Preece.
As well as tattoo, graffiti artists from around the country are also attending to compete in an invitational competition.
