About 1 - 2 September 2018 | RUSSIAN TATTOO EXPO / BARBER CONNECT RUSSIA

1 and 2 of September, on the territory of the Moscow Sokolniki Exhibition Complex, took place the event combining two modern trends that in one way or another have an intersection, because they both relate to style and beauty. We are talking about the barber culture and tattoo art.

Originating in 2017, the event uniting barbers from around the world BARBER CONNECT RUSSIA, in this year made a huge step forward by launching a parallel event dedicated to the art of tattooing - RUSSIAN TATTOO EXPO.

This groundbreaking weekend marked a significant milestone for Russia's tattoo community, bringing together international talent with local artists in an unprecedented celebration of ink artistry. The dual-format convention created a unique atmosphere where traditional barbering skills merged with contemporary tattoo culture, reflecting the modern intersection of grooming and body art. The Moscow tattoo scene, which has been rapidly evolving over the past decade, finally had its moment to shine on an international stage alongside some of the world's most respected tattoo masters.

International Headliners and Educational Program

The star structure of BARBER CONNECT RUSSIA was joined by 20 foreign headliners, among them were Rob The Original, the most popular girl among barbers in the world Hayden Cassidy, and also Ego Barbers, Sharpfade. Within the framework of the prepared educational program on the main stage of the festival, the stars throughout the days gave master classes, told their secret techniques of hairdressing and communicated with all comers.

In its debut, the RUSSIAN TATTOO EXPO allowed the Moscow tattoo community to meet and personally get acquainted with such titans of the tattoo industry as: Nikko Hurtado - one of the most famous tattoo artists who has worked with many show business stars, Ami James - the founder of the world-famous TV project Miami Ink and tattoodo.com, extra-popular Japanese tattoo masters Nissaco and Gakkin, and many others. Almost all star tattooers came to Russia for the first time.

Style and Technique

The convention showcased an impressive diversity of tattoo styles, reflecting the international caliber of attending artists. From Nikko Hurtado's renowned photorealistic portraits to the traditional Japanese mastery of Nissaco and Gakkin, attendees witnessed demonstrations of various technical approaches that define modern tattooing. The presence of such diverse artistic voices created educational opportunities for both seasoned professionals and aspiring artists looking to expand their technical repertoires.

The educational component of the event emphasized the importance of proper technique, artistic development, and professional standards in tattooing. Live demonstrations and workshops provided insights into advanced shading techniques, color theory application, and the cultural significance of traditional tattoo styles. This focus on education aligned with the broader mission of elevating tattooing as a respected art form within Russian creative culture.

Notable Works

The gallery above captures the dynamic atmosphere of this inaugural Russian Tattoo Expo, showcasing the interaction between international artists and the enthusiastic Moscow tattoo community. The images document not only the artistic processes but also the cultural exchange that occurred throughout the weekend, demonstrating the universal language of tattoo artistry that transcends geographical boundaries.

These documented moments represent a historic convergence of talent, featuring works that span from contemporary realism to traditional Japanese techniques. The diversity visible in the gallery reflects the expo's success in bringing together multiple artistic traditions and approaches, creating a comprehensive overview of modern tattoo artistry for the Russian audience.

Impact and Coverage

Over the weekend, the iNKPPL.com team prepared a photo report from the event, and very soon we will bring to your attention exclusive interviews with the world's leading tattoo artists: Nikko Hurtado, Ami James and Jondix.

This inaugural Russian Tattoo Expo established a new standard for tattoo conventions in Eastern Europe, creating valuable connections between the international tattoo community and Russia's growing scene. For those interested in exploring more about tattoo culture and techniques, our comprehensive magazine section offers in-depth coverage of various styles and artists. The event's success also highlights the importance of proper tattoo aftercare education, which was emphasized throughout the weekend's educational programming.