TATTOOED: IT’S AN ART is a new one-off, exclusive Galeries Sydney exhibition that explores the art of tattooing and brings the artists behind the work to the fore.
To curate the exhibition, The Galeries has partnered with world-renowned photographer Jesse Lizotte. Growing up between Sydney and New York, Lizotte naturally gravitated to and felt most comfortable with those living on the fringes and in subcultures. Having shot the likes of Billie Eilish, Troye Sivan, Jason Momoa and Kelly Rowland, Lizotte captures the unconventional, and its influence on pop culture and fashion alike, making him the perfect curator for this project.
Featuring Sydney tattoo artists Demi Iacopetta, Shaun Daniel Allen and Pheazy, the exhibition takes a unique, authentic, and uninhibited look behind the work of some of Sydney’s best and shines a light on a contemporary take on a traditional and ancient art form.
DEMI IACOPETTA
Demi Iacopetta began tattooing in 2009, working in busy street shops of Newcastle. She is currently based at Tattoo Rosies in Surry Hills. Iacopetta’s work is defined by her use of smooth, bold lines, intricate detailing and tribal influenced imagery, her story of tattooing is fate. Painting and drawing was her passion but never did she think it would form into a career.
SHAUN DANIEL ALLEN
Shaun Daniel Allen is a proud Yugambeh/Bundjalung man, a well-established tattoo artist, painter and musician based at Thanks Tattoo in Darlinghurst. Allen’s style ranges from traditional black and grey work to Indigenous imagery. He currently draws inspiration from native Australian botanical drawings, and vintage flash tattoo origins.
PHEAZY
Pheazy is a talented artist who has years of professional tattooing experience to his name. He currently resides at Little Tokyo in Surry Hills. Pheazy’s work is influenced by his deep roots in graffiti, and traditional Japanese culture. This is defined by his use of bold lines, intricate detailing, traditional motifs and pops of colour.
With a long history of supporting Australian artists from its Artist in Residence program to recently NFTs, The Galeries continues to push boundaries and bring alternative brands and exhibitions into the mainstream.
“The Galeries is renowned as Sydney’s home of contemporary and unique brands and artworks... we are now shining a light on a completely different yet equally as impressive artform, tattooing,” said Vicinity Centres’ Head of Marketing, Brand and Experience, Corrine Barchanowicz.
IT’S AN ART will be on display at The Galeries until 31 March 2022.