Singapore's first tattoo show kicks off on Friday
By Satish Cheney, Channel NewsAsia | Posted: 07 January 2009 2053 hrs

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SINGAPORE: Singapore's first-ever Tattoo Show kicks off at the Singapore Expo on Friday and it is believed to be the largest of its kind in Southeast Asia. One main attraction during the three-day show is Chris Garver from the popular reality TV series, Miami Ink.

Organisers are spending up to S$300,000 for the first-ever Singapore Tattoo Show. With over 100 booths, 21 Singapore tattoo studios will also be showcased, besides other Asian and Western ones.

Another highlight is traditional tattooing from places like Borneo, and the industry hopes to change perceptions about tattooing.

Chris Garver, tattoo expert, Miami Ink, USA, said: "I was in Japan for a long time. There're a lot of connotations with the Yakuza there. But the percentage of people who get tattoos who are Yakuza is very small compared to the people who aren't Yakuza. So a lot of it is changing. A lot of American pop culture has influenced tattooing there."

Kirby Lian, organiser, Singapore Tattoo Show, said: "I have ever tattooed a young 14-year-old girl who came with her mother and they both got the same tattoo on the ankle."

While hoping to change perceptions, organisers also aim to highlight the tremendous skills involved.

Legends in the industry, such as Paul Booth of Last Rites Tattoo (USA), Robert Hernandez (Spain) and Bob Tyrrell (USA), will also be at the show.

The show was the result of organisers networking in various tattoo conventions overseas. They hope to have at least 15,000 people attend the event.

The organisers are also hoping to make this an annual show and maybe spice things up with performances from rock bands and even a motorbike show. - CNA/vm