International Tattoo And Arts Expo

World’s Best Artists Drawn to NZ
For International Tattoo And Arts Expo

06 November, 2012

Some of the most sought-after tattoo artists from around the world will be on show at the International Tattoo and Arts Expo, the only event of its kind in New Zealand, when it returns to Hamilton in February 2013.

The Expo will once again host the infamous Dr. Rev, a blood painter who paints intricate artworks in his own blood, who was a huge hit at the event last year. New Zealand-based world body painting champion Yolanda Bertram will also return to the Expo as well as some exciting additions in the form of former Crusty Demons and Nitro Circus rider, Luke Smith, LA Ink reality TV star Amy Nicoletto and a L.A film crew-along with live demos from New Zealand’s own Jed Milton, the first man in the world to pull a triple backflip on his BMX.

After the success of the 2011 and 2012 Expos, which were attended by thousands, 2013 is expected to be even bigger with one of the largest talent line-ups to date. Renowned tattoo artists from USA, Norway, England, Japan, Finland, Spain, Canada, Borneo, Switzerland, China, South Africa and Australia as well as some of the best tattoo artists from New Zealand will be exhibiting at the Expo.

Competitions not to be missed this year include, a 12 man Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) comp, Miss Tattoo New Zealand, a Roller Derby game, a classic car competition and a Trans-Tasman graffiti competition which will see NZ and Australia go to head-to-head in a graffiti battle.

One of the highlights this year will be live stunts by Auckland-based motorcycle daredevil, Luke Smith. A Nitro Circus and former Crusty Demons star, Smith has made headlines around the world by surviving a brain injury that left him in a life-threating coma three years ago. He has since come back with a vengeance and will be performing at the Expo.

Another Expo highlight will be 24-year-old Kiwi BMX biker Jed Mildon who made action-sports history last year by nailing the world’s first-ever triple backflip on his BMX. The Guinness Book Of World Records breaker will be entertaining crowds on Saturday 24th.

Expo-goers will also get to experience traditional tattooing at its best with a Pacific Island tattoo master of the “ tapping” technique, Paul Suluape. Once banned by Christian missionaries as barbaric, Suluape will demonstrate how the traditional Cook Island tattooing technique is making a comeback in the Cook Islands and New Zealand.

Event organiser of the International Tattoo and Art Expo Chris Preece said the weekend-long Expo is a fantastic opportunity to showcase some of the world’s best entertainment and tattoo artists, working in both modern and traditional styles and technique.

“It’s not often you can get up close and personal with the best local and international talent under one roof, it’s a rare opportunity to experience the weird and wonderful world of urban street culture,” Mr Preece said. “ A lot of the tattoo artists exhibiting are booked out for months in advance, so it’s an opportunity to get inked by some of the world’s best, as well as to get a glimpse of some of the hottest stars of FMX and BMX right now.”

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