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As I mentioned yesterday, there are some wonderful events this week leading up to the NYC Tattoo Convention, which takes place this Friday through Sunday at the Roseland Ballroom. Another art show we'll be attending tomorrow -- a show I've been excited about since I learned about its progression last Fall -- is "Apokalupsis" A Contemporary View From the Revelation of John The Divine by the wonderful Adrian Dominic. The show opens tomorrow at Sacred Gallery (from 8-11pm) and runs until June 30th. Based on the preview, it's really a must see. And the story behind the series is compelling as well. Here's a bit from it:
Beyond painting, Adrian has been creating exciting tattoos, described as dynamic sculpturesque designs, since 1999.You can see more of his tattoos and fine art at www.adriandominic.com. So, I hope to see y'all at "Apokalupsis" tomorrow. Considering that David Sena's "Blunted Paranoia" show is in walking distance to Sacred Gallery, I'll be hitting up both exhibits. Should be a fun night! |
TAGS: Adrian Dominic Apokalupsis art show Sacred Gallery NYC |
UPDATE: We've added a Q&A with Vincent on the show and new photos, below. Tattooer and fine artist Vincent Castiglia -- known for his surreal works painted in his own blood -- has shown in galleries and museums around the world, including a solo show at the famed H.R. Giger Museum Gallery in Switzerland. From Thursday, October 4th through the 31st, his biggest show will be on view at Sacred Gallery in NYC, entitled "Resurrection." The new retrospective art exhibition includes around 30 works spanning the last decade, from the beginning of his career to today, and seeks to "examine the congruency of life and death." For example, in "Stings of the Lash" (88" x 59", Blood, 2005) shown below Vincent says the work addresses "the unique nature of the human will," adding: "The figure stands between two neurons attempting to communicate; only the message is diffused in the space between them by this willful phenomenon. Behind him are three dimensions, which the figure penetrates, physically as well as allegorically, the terrestrial, the celestial, and beyond this the collective unconscious." Here's a Q&A I did with Vincent on the show: This is an impressively large show, starting from the beginning of your career to today. How has your work evolved over the past ten years -- will the viewers be able to see any progression from the earlier works to the new paintings you are showing? It's my biggest exhibition to date in terms of the amount of works. And yes, there's a very apparent progression in technique from the beginning through present. I initially began working in this medium very painterly, and somewhat suggestive, I'd say with the first 2-3 paintings in this medium. And from there just fell in love, and aimed to take it as far it as it would go in terms of technicality and polish. I'm not sure if I'd consider even the first few paintings experimental, but more a natural evolution of possibility. Is there a common theme that runs through all of them? Yes, several I believe; the congruency of life and death, universal stations of the human condition (that most people don't care to face), polarity and the harmonizing of polarities, dissection, decay, rebirth, struggle and tragedy, perseverance and hope. I'm sure you've answered tons of questions about working with your blood. But for those new to your work, perhaps you can describe the process of creating the paintings with your blood, and why it is an important medium for you. Because my work is literally part of me. I'm being brutally honest with each painting, in many cases sharing harsh realities that I've struggled with, some even being an "exorcism" of sorts. There's a very literal transference of energy I feel in working this way. Some pray, I paint. Anything else you'd like to add. "Resurrection" is a unique opportunity to see this many originals of mine in one place, even for me. In addition, my first sculptural work (created this year) will be in the exhibit. I'm very happy to be showing this collection in my hometown of New York City, and at Sacred Gallery. For more on "Resurrection," check Sacred's exhibit page. Hope to see you at the opening reception on October 4th from 8PM - 11 PM. Sacred Gallery NYC is located at 424 Broadway (2nd Floor) between Canal and Howard in SoHo. "Stings of The Lash", 88" x 59" (framed), 2006, blood on paper. Tattoo by Vincent Castiglia.
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Tattoo TAGS: blood paintings exhibition Sacred Gallery NYC Vincent Castiglia |
![]() All Images Copyright Lars Krutak
Tattoo anthropologist Dr. Lars Krutak is no stranger to Needles & Sins. In February, we profiled the tattoo hunter, discussing his research into indigenous body modification practices worldwide. We also love his Kalinga Tattoo book on the vanishing tattoo practices of the Kalinga people in the Philippines. This Saturday, July 30th, Lars will be giving a lecture at Sacred Gallery on his research and displaying photos and video from his journeys. Here's what Sacred says of the event: Unimax is proud to present Dr. Krutak, on July 30th at 3PM, at Sacred Tattoo, 424 Broadway, N.Y.C., who will spend an hour revealing tattoo as a statement of worldviews, where humans, nature, and the supernatural are united. He will show where and how tattoo still represents the reenactment of ancient myths, ancestral traditions, and the actions of deities and cultural heroes. Video clips from his documentary series "Tattoo Hunter," seen on the Discovery Channel supplement the presentation as well as some large format on-location photos by Krutak, from the collection of Wes Wood.It promises to be a fascinating talk. Highly recommend it. For those of you in and around D.C., this Wednesday, July 27th, from 6:45 to 8:45 PM, Lars will also share his work in "Skin Deep: The History and Art of Indigenous Tattooing." His books will be available for signing as well. If you can't make it, check out some of his writings and images online at LarsKrutak.com and The Vanishing Tattoo. ![]() |
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![]() Many bemoan the magic that has been lost in tattooing with its mass popularity, but lately, the industry has been imbued with an artful mysticism as tattoo-themes manifest in the ancient Tarot. One exciting event celebrating this union of tattoo & tarot is the Miss Fortune Art Show, which opens tomorrow at Sacred Gallery in NYC and runs until March 26th. Gallery Director, Kevin Wilson, says of the exhibit: The show focuses on the Major Arcana cards, Latin for "Big Secrets." Often, people seek out a tarot reading if they have questions concerning their lives. In previous centuries, women were mostly illiterate.Tarot sessions were the earliest forms of "talk therapy," and a way to vent their innermost hopes, dreams, and heartbreak. Participants in the show have selected a tarot card from a classic card reading layout: they are both the readers and the clients.They were asked to create a new card to reflect their personal interpretation of the Major Arcana card they chose. Since tarot cards themselves hold no power, it is up to the reader to tailor the meanings based on the client's questions. We'll be at the opening reception, which takes place from 7 to 11 PM. Sacred Gallery is located at 424 Broadway, 2nd Floor, New York City. ** The very first exhibit of this kind that I visited (around 2007) was Astrid Kopfler's gorgeous Tattoo Tarot project, which featured the work of tattooists around the world, offering their interpretation of a card randomly selected for them. Their paintings & drawings were exhibited at numerous international tattoo conventions and galleries, and culminated into one amazing deck, perfectly packaged. I can't speak highly enough of it. I just contacted Astrid, and I'm happy to learn that she does have some sets left. US orders run 106 Euros including shipping. More ordering info here. Also find it on Amazon.com. ![]() A more recent deck within the tattoo community is the Telos Tarot set by Robert Ryan, Adam Shrewsbury, Tomas Garcia and Erik Von Bartholomaus. Haven't gotten my hands on it yet but I've been hearing great things about the art and packaging. I've also heard that there aren't many left. Tattoo Artist Magazine has more info.
I see a wonderful weekend ahead of you, friends. Will be back on Monday.
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Events TAGS: Sacred Gallery NYC Telos Tarot The Tattoo Tarot |
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Art shows opening this weekend... Tomorrow, at the Last Rites Gallery in NYC, the second Flesh to Canvas group show featuring the fine art of renowned tattooists opens at 7PM. Artists include Paul Acker, Alex Adams, Guy Aitchison, Nick Baxter, Aaron Bell, Paul Booth, Joe Capobianco, Joshua Carlton, Mike DeVries, Chris Dingwell, Little Dragon, Alex Garcia, Goethe, Gunnar, Anil Gupta, Ryan Hadley, Robert Hernandez, Phil Holt, Nikko Hurtado, Brian Murphy, Roman, Juan Salgado, Stefano, Toxyc, Kurt Wiscombe and Phil Young.
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This Saturday, April 3rd, join us for a hardcore night at Sacred Gallery for the music photography show of Nathaniel Shannon entitled While The Others Were Sleeping. The opening kicks off at 7PM in the excellent exhibition space adjacent to Sacred Tattoo in NYC's SoHo.
This solo show features images of raw, sweaty (and often bloody) live performances of artists including Henry Rollins, Dillinger Escape Plan, Pentagram, Gwar, and many more. Also on view are Nathaniel's group portraits and diptychs shot on tour and in the clubs. What makes Nathaniel's music photography so powerful is his instinct to capture the frenzied climax of that gig you'll remember for the rest of your life -- like Judas Priest's Rob Halford belting over Glenn Tipton's melodic hooks. Through this show, you can own a piece of that moment. For a preview of the exhibition, check Nathaniel's online portfolio. Nathaniel is a freelance photographer and musician from Michigan living in NYC. His work has appeared in over fifty publications, several record sleeves, and seven installations. A full-length book of his music photography is underway. While The Others Were Sleeping is curated by the wonderful Kevin Wilson, who has an incredible line-up of shows through the year. Hope to see you Saturday for a rock experience that won't get your teeth bashed in by an errant steel-toe boot. And yes, booze will be served. |
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We interrupt our regularly scheduled blog blather for announcements of vital importance.
First, we're having another art event, and while we'd love to send out those "Save the Date" magnets that creative couples mail out for their big day, it seemed ill fitting considering the work being shown: Nathaniel Shannon's live, candid music photography of bands like the Dillinger Escape Plan, Pentagram and GWAR. A better reminder would be to punch yourself in the face really hard right now, and by the time the bruising goes away, that's when the show will open. April 3rd. At the most wonderful Sacred Gallery. I'll soon be doing a full post on the event -- entitled While the Others Were Sleeping -- but for a preview, click here. And to get yourself in the right frame of mind for the exhibit, join us for some live metal this Saturday, March 20th, on Manhattan's Lower East Side at The Local 269 for the SOS and Friends Show featuring our own Brian Grosz and his stoner metal outfit Dogs of Winter. This is one of the last remaining gigs for the Dogs so bring your $8 cover and throw your horns high. They should jump on stage around 10PM. The remaining shows are at Cousin Larry's in Danbury, CT for the SubRosa Party on April 9th, and April 14th in Brooklyn at Public Assembly for the Hipsterwrecktomy party. Can't make the shows? Download the DOW record for free here. For the wordsmith set, I have another call for submissions from the tattoo and poetry journal Holly Rose Review. The journal editors are looking for tattoo images that evoke the theme of their fourth issue: Worry. For more information on submitting tattoo work for this issue, click here or join their Facebook page. Finally, show some love to our newest advertiser, State of Grace Publishing. Yes, the same people who've brought the finest of Japanese tattooing to the US and one of our favorite conventions. Their Shige book, which I reviewed here, is an absolute must-have for collectors; their UGLAR book became a museum exhibit; and their Pint & Ichibay sketchbooks will inspire your next work. Without advertisers like State of Grace, MATW Clothing, Father Panik, Tattoo Culture, and Devil City Press we wouldn't be able to give you ALL THIS (arms wide open) for free, so please support us by supporting them. |
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UPDATE: We've added a Q&A with Vincent on the show and new photos, below.
"Stings of The Lash", 88" x 59" (framed), 2006, blood on paper.
Tattoo by Vincent Castiglia.




I see a wonderful weekend ahead of you, friends. Will be back on Monday.













