Upclose with Joey Pang

HK: What makes tattooing an art form?
Joey Pang: Art is about making your ideas real through your actions. Tattooing expresses a person’s mind and character through an image on his or her body. Compared to other art forms, the only difference is the tools we use. The history of tattooing goes all the way back to humanity’s origins. Tribal tattoos, for example, were an important form of self-expression. Tattoos can appear to alter one’s body shape. Like wearing clothes and make-up, but tattoos have an even more direct effect on your body.

HK: But it hurts!
JP: The perception of pain today is different from what it was in the primitive world. We avoid pain today, but many ancient people believed pain was a way to release energy. I do notice there are people who actually “enjoy” the pain and become “addicted” to getting tattoos. They seem to think that the pain gives them a strong sense of existence. In this digitized world, people want to return to these primitive rituals to fulfill their existential urges.

HK: Tell us something about the painting you’ve made for the SKIN:INKS Tattoo Art Exhibition.
JP: I used an image of a Chinese opera singer to emphasize a particular aspect of Chinese women, a side of them that speaks up and is not ashamed to showcase their traditional side. I used real tattoo ink in my work to show people the variety of tattoo ink colors available today. Many people still think black is the only color for tattoos.

HK: Any advice for your potential clients?
JP: I definitely advise against getting mini-tattoos. You’ll definitely regret it later in your life. A 1mm line will expand to 3mm and your blurred tattoo will stay on your body forever like a stain. I also won’t tattoo people who want their lover’s name on their body. I don’t think it is a good way to remember your loved ones and besides, they will be regretting it when you break up.

HK: Tell us an unusual tattooing story.
JP: I’ve done cosmetic tattoos to change the skin tone of clients who recently had operations. This is something doctors might not be able to do. I once helped a client with breast cancer re-paint her nipple. She cried a lot during the tattooing. Sometimes, I have to play the role of a counselor as well.

HK: What about fake tattoos?
JP: I have no objection to them. Everyone has the right to have fun.