Saverio Saluzzi is a master of surrealistic realism in the world of tattooing, seamlessly blending bold artistic expression with impeccable technical precision. With a passion rooted in the creation of living, moving "museums" on skin, his work stands out for its imaginative compositions, vibrant use of color, and compelling visual narratives. From the influence of Italian masters like Caravaggio to modern tattoo legends, Saverio draws inspiration from a wide spectrum of artistic sources. His journey, filled with convention victories and meaningful collaborations, has solidified his reputation across Europe. In this exclusive interview, Saverio shares the philosophy behind his work, memorable projects, and insights for aspiring artists.
Could you tell us about your journey into tattooing and what inspired you to specialize in surrealistic realism?
- The idea of creating my own “museum” on people around the world has given me goosebumps since I was a kid. As soon as I entered art school, I started to realize how art has evolved, and how my vision could actually come to life. From the moment I was 15, I committed myself to becoming a tattoo artist.
For me, the ability to create a true and raw representation of someone's personal reality—sometimes distorted, sometimes surreal—is what fuels my passion. It’s why I’m drawn to this “mixed surrealistic style,” if that makes sense.
How would you describe your artistic style, and what techniques do you find most effective in achieving your desired results?
- I find it difficult to fully define my style, but if I had to, I’d describe it as a blend of dark ornamentation and surrealism. I often incorporate color techniques to create maximum impact, enhancing the 3D effects and volumes within the composition to make each piece come alive.
Are there specific artists or styles that have influenced your work? How do you incorporate those influences into your tattoos?
- My primary source of inspiration in art is Caravaggio, the Italian painter, whose mastery of high contrast and raw, dark representations of reality deeply resonates with me. When it comes to the tattoo industry, I draw influence from a variety of artists, including Carlos Torres, Waler Montero, Bastian Blau, and many others, each of whom contributes something unique to my work.
Could you share a memorable project or tattoo you’ve completed that stands out in your career? What made it special?
- The project that most represents my identity is the pair of forearm tattoos I created during the Epinal Tattoo Show 2024. I’m especially proud of this piece because it allowed me to fully express the core elements of my art: body flow, impact, and unique designs.
What challenges do you face when working on detailed realistic tattoos, and how do you overcome them?
- One of the biggest challenges a tattoo artist faces is the patience required to sit for hours throughout the session, maintaining focus the entire time. For me, though, this effort is always worth it—there’s no greater reward than seeing the reactions of the audience or the customers as they witness your creations come to life.
How do you ensure that your tattoos maintain their quality and detail over time?
- Once tattoos are inked onto our skin—a part of us that "lives with us"—it's essential to take care of it in order to preserve the artwork. This means following a few simple rules: staying hydrated, applying sunscreen, and using body cream regularly.
Where do you draw inspiration from for your surrealistic projects?
- I love drawing inspiration from a broad, full perspective. I often find my ideas during "introspective trips," which are influenced by classic and neoclassical art, movies, music, art exhibitions, people, and travel, among other things.
Can you talk about any particular themes or subjects you enjoy exploring in your work?
- The main feature I love to explore in my tattoos is human anatomy, particularly female faces. I enjoy blending them with objects or elements that distort the reality we’re accustomed to and creating something new.
How do you balance your artistic vision with the preferences of your clients?
- I truly enjoy and prefer using my customers’ ideas as the foundation for creating their tattoos. By visualizing their art through their personal themes or stories, I believe it’s the best way to bring a project to life. Collaborating with them allows me to dive into their world, making each piece deeply meaningful and unique. Their vision, combined with my skills, leads to something that truly reflects who they are.
How has your style evolved since you first started tattooing, and what do you think has contributed to that evolution?
- My style is constantly evolving. Just a couple of years ago, it was something completely different, and I hope it will continue to evolve, as that’s the part of the journey I enjoy the most. I consider myself incredibly lucky to have had the opportunity to learn from mentors and friends around the world, each with a diverse artistic background. The chance to collaborate and exchange ideas with them has been invaluable in shaping my growth.
Where are you currently working?
- I primarily work in Turin, Italy, but also travel across Europe for conventions and guest spots, expanding my reach and connecting with different artistic communities.
How do you stay motivated and inspired in your creative process, especially during challenging projects?
- My greatest motivation during challenging projects comes from seeing people’s reactions when they encounter something they've never seen before. That moment of surprise and awe keeps me pushing forward.
Many successful tattoo artists share their experiences with young tattooists. Do you conduct workshops? If so, what level of artists are they for?
- I recently held a workshop that left me incredibly satisfied. I guided a beginner tattoo artist from pulling their first lines to completing their first pastel grey realism piece. I plan to host more workshops in the future, not only to share foundational knowledge with beginners but also to help those already in the industry explore new techniques, particularly in color saturation.
What has been the most rewarding aspect of your career as a tattoo artist so far?
- Without a doubt, one of my proudest moments was standing on the podium of the Avant-Garde competition at TürkiyeArtFest in Istanbul, alongside two of my idols, Benjamin Laukis and Victor Garcia.
You've secured First Place in Best of Friday at Nordic Ink in both 2023 and 2024. What makes these achievements at Denmark's oldest active tattoo convention especially meaningful to you?
- Winning at Nordic Ink was a huge moment for me, especially because it was my first major award. The competition is no joke—you're going up against 150-200 insanely talented artists from all over the world. Taking home Best of Show in 2023 felt surreal and was definitely a turning point in my career. What makes it even more special is the history behind the convention and the energy of the event. With over 6,000 visitors and so much talent in one place, it pushes you to give it everything you’ve got.
At the Epinal Tattoo Show 2024, you took home First Best of Saturday out of 230 international artists. How does competing at a French convention feel different from other tattoo events in Europe?
- The Epinal Tattoo Show has such a unique vibe. Winning First Best of Saturday was especially meaningful because of the show’s international reach. Artists from places like Canada, Slovakia, Greece, and Poland come together, each with their own distinct styles and techniques. What makes Epinal stand out is its three-day festival format, blending art with entertainment. It creates an atmosphere where artists can really let their creativity shine while competing with some of the best in the industry.
Congrats on your wins at the Cyprus Tattoo Convention 2024—First Best Color and Second Best of Sunday! How did it feel to go from competing to sitting on the jury at the same event?
- The Cyprus Tattoo Convention 2024 was a one-of-a-kind experience for me. Winning First Best Color and Second Best of Sunday felt amazing, especially considering the event’s international reputation. But what made it even more interesting was being on the jury for the dot work category. Sitting alongside some really talented artists gave me a whole new perspective. It was wild to judge other artists' work right after competing myself. That dual experience really helped me appreciate just how high the talent level is at these events.
Having achieved success across multiple European conventions - Nordic Ink, Epinal, and Cyprus - how do these different venues and competitions influence your artistic approach?
- Each convention has its own vibe and challenges. Nordic Ink's emphasis on technical excellence pushes me to perfect my mixed surrealism and calligraphy techniques. The Epinal Show, with its diverse international crowd, inspires me to mix in cultural elements from different places. At the Cyprus Convention, where I won First Best Color, the focus on color work made me want to experiment with bold palettes and new color combos. All these experiences across Europe have helped me grow into a more versatile and polished artist.
How do you see your artistic journey progressing in the coming years, and what are your goals moving forward?
- I’m focused on becoming one of the best in the tattoo industry, and I know there’s still a long way to go, as it's an ongoing process. My ultimate goal is to one day offer my perspective on the tattoo experience through the "museum" blending art and storytelling in a fresh, innovative way.
What advice would you give to aspiring tattoo artists looking to develop their skills in realism?
- If I look back on my personal journey, I’d say the key is to learn from everyone. There are no bad lessons, especially in a world where there’s no single right way to approach things. Get tattooed by your favorite artists, take workshops with them, and absorb as much as you can. Then, practice relentlessly to master the techniques you’ve learned. Combine them in your own way and use them to truly express your unique art.
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