Next month, on May 25-26, the 10th International Moscow Tattoo Convention gathers all fans of modern tattoos at the exhibition center in Sokolniki. Many people are waiting for this convention as the most significant tattoo event of the year, and it is not surprising, because the organizers always collect a large number of unique artists from around the world.
One of the special guests of the convention will be Uigu Lee. The Korean master is world famous for his large-scale tattoos of the classic Japanese direction - Irezumi.
This art form is very popular in the west, while at homeland, in Japan, there is a somewhat negative attitude towards it. All due to the fact that this type of tattoo has criminal roots. In the past, such a tattoo was applied to prisoners for a crime. After getting out of prison, trying to hide the "shameful" label, ex-prisoners tried to disguise their tattoo by completing Irezumi with new details and colors. As a result, the picture grew and, depending on the number of "labels," could cover almost the entire body. Later, such marking was refused, and Irezumi was prohibited. Irezumi was legalized only in the middle of the last century in 1945, but its criminal "taste" has remained to this day.
At the 10th International Moscow Tattoo Convention Uigu Lee will become a special guest and member of the jury of the event.
About Classic Japanese Irezumi - Uigu Lee
Uigu Lee stands as one of the most respected Korean tattoo artists specializing in traditional Japanese Irezumi. His mastery of this ancient art form has earned him international recognition and positioned him among the top tattoo artists practicing classical Japanese tattooing outside of Japan. Working from Korea, Lee has become a bridge between traditional Japanese tattoo culture and the modern global tattoo scene.
The Korean tattoo scene has experienced significant growth in recent years, with artists like Uigu Lee leading the charge in bringing traditional Asian tattoo styles to international prominence. His dedication to preserving the authentic techniques and imagery of classical Irezumi has made him a sought-after artist for collectors of traditional Japanese tattoos worldwide. Lee's work demonstrates the cultural exchange that exists within the tattoo community, where artists can honor and practice traditions that transcend national boundaries.
Style and Technique
Uigu Lee's specialty lies in classical Japanese Irezumi, a traditional tattooing style that encompasses large-scale bodysuit designs featuring mythological creatures, nature scenes, and symbolic imagery. This style is characterized by its bold use of black ink, strategic incorporation of negative space, and flowing compositions that follow the natural contours of the body. Traditional Irezumi motifs include dragons, koi fish, phoenixes, chrysanthemums, cherry blossoms, and protective deities, all rendered with meticulous attention to cultural symbolism and artistic balance.
The technique required for authentic Irezumi demands years of study and practice. Artists must understand not only the technical aspects of large-scale tattooing but also the cultural significance behind each element. The proper placement of motifs, the flow between different design elements, and the overall composition require deep knowledge of Japanese artistic traditions. Lee's work exemplifies this mastery, creating cohesive large-scale pieces that honor the historical and cultural weight of the Irezumi tradition while meeting contemporary technical standards.
Notable Works
The works shown in the gallery above demonstrate Uigu Lee's expertise in classical Japanese Irezumi, showcasing the large-scale nature and intricate detail work that defines this traditional style. His portfolio likely features the iconic imagery associated with authentic Irezumi: powerful dragons winding across backs and torsos, koi fish swimming through waves, and protective deities rendered in bold, traditional compositions. Each piece represents hours of careful work, building layers of black ink and strategic use of skin tone to create the distinctive look of classical Japanese tattooing.
Lee's commitment to traditional techniques and imagery sets his work apart in an era where many artists blend styles or modernize classical approaches. For those interested in learning more about proper care for large-scale traditional tattoos, our comprehensive aftercare guide provides essential information for maintaining the quality and longevity of significant tattoo work. Those seeking to explore more about traditional tattoo styles can find additional insights in our tattoo magazine section, or discover other skilled practitioners in our artist directory.
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