Tattoos not just for triads, says artist and convention organiser

Tattoos are no longer just seen on the forearms and backs of gangsters as more Hongkongers today see the intricate ink designs as art and sport them on their skin, says local tattoo artist Gabe Shum.

The number of tattoo shops in Hong Kong grew from just four in 1998 to over 100 today, said Shum. And to top that off, the city on Friday will host its first tattoo convention, a three-day event that will showcase local and international artists at the Innocentre in Kowloon Bay.

Shum, whose shop Freedom Tattoo is organising the event, made a name for himself by inking tattoos on international stars, such as former England football team captain David Beckham, and two-time NBA champion and finals MVP basketball player LeBron James.

“I think people are slowly starting to understand that tattoos aren’t just for triad members, but is art,” he said. “Hopefully, the convention will put Hong Kong on the map for tattoo lovers. This could even become a tourist attraction.”

Shum said the convention would feature 35 local and international tattoo artists and be packed with tattoo competitions, master artists sharing ideas and opportunities for tattoo aficionados to get inked by their favourite artists. Other activities include music, DJs, art and dance shows.

Shum himself got his first tattoo at aged 16 and immediately knew he wanted to be a tattoo artist, which perfectly meshed with his love for drawing, design and art. But it wasn’t until he was 19 that, with basically no experience, he borrowed a tattoo machine, drew a tattoo outline and inked it on a friend.

In 1998, Shum opened his first tattoo shop after returned to Hong Kong from North America and Europe where he travelled and learnt about the art of tattoos.

His dream was to show that high-quality Hong Kong tattoos can rival those created in the rest of Asia and other developed tattoo communities like the United States, he said.