Tattoo Art In the Philipines - Dutdutan

Dutdutan: (doot-doot-ahn) - a Tagalog word meaning to continually insert or jab.

Now on it’s 11th year, Dutdutan is now synonymous with tattoo art in the Philippines. At least that’s how a lot of tattoo enthusiasts in the country would like to view it.

For the 15,000 or so who congregated at the World Trade Center in Manila on August 26 and 27, the biggest tattoo show this side of the earth is also a definition of the alternative lifestyle that they have chosen.

But according to the organizers, tattoo art was not always part of the alternative scene. Native Filipinos have a rich history of tattoo art dating back to pre-colonial dates. In fact, when the Spaniards first got here, they were greeted with a heavily tattooed Visayan tribe and they called the islands “La Isla De Los Pintados” meaning the “Island of the Painted Ones.”



Christianity and western culture eventually supplanted that practice and not until we fast forward to the 90s do we see the rebirth of skin art.

The man and talent behind that is Ricky Sta. Ana, who started the yearly gathering with a small group of tattoo artists and customers. Eleven years later and supported by a major alternative lifestyle brand, Tribal Gear, the show has now taken on a bigger vision.

It is now a convention, known in the skin art circle around the world and they are even able to bring in the best tattoo artists from around the world to prove that. Underlying this achievement is the organizers’ cause to eliminate the stigma of skin art as taboo, since it has always appealed to the rebel crowd and the unconventional.

Last Rites Gallery Announcement

Saturday, September 3rd, 7-11pm

Last Rites Gallery Presents...

Brian M. Viveros
Returning Art To The Unclean

Solo Exhibition

September 3rd - 25th, 2011

NEW YORK, NY (September 3rd, 2011)- Last Rites Gallery presents Returning Art To The Unclean, new works by Brian M. Viveros.

Known for his strong and sensuous depictions of women, Brian M. Viveros is a master of contemporary iconography paying homage to the femme fatale. While he almost exclusively paints portraits, within the expressions of his women is conveyed such deep emotion and overwhelming sexuality that his work is undeniably erotic. Often without even a hint of nudity, the viewer is seduced with a mere pout and gaze from his subject's faces. Although carrying on a long tradition of the alluring female in art, his work differs from Pin-Up style images of the past.

Aside from the absence of figurative representation, the commanding subjects in his art contrast "Cheesecake" ideology of the soft and innocent. Instead, with her empowered stare, the Viveros smoking bad-girls flaunt battle scars, tattoos, and army paraphernalia. A force to be reckoned with, she is the epitome of a subculture heralding a new era with shifting ideals.

This underlying concept of grit combined with sensuality is brought forth in his execution and paint handling, as flesh rendered with an almost touchable suppleness is juxtaposed by paint splatters and brushstrokes. With explosive compositions and an unmistakable style, Viveros creates 20th century representations of both beauty and culture.

Brian's paintings have appeared in museums and galleries throughout the world, and featured by media including Juxtapoz, Tattoo Society, Hi Fructose, Skin Two, and TLC's LA Ink. In 2005 Viveros made his directing debut with his short "Dislandia", and he has since created the full length feature "Southern" and other films, which have premiered internationally and have been featured on networks including The Sundance Channel.

In what will be Brian's second showing at the gallery, the opening will feature an all new collection of original paintings, as well as special rare prints from the artist's own collection; poster giveaway and signing; live "Smoking Army" performance; screening of Brian's films along with his new short, and much more.

For inquiries, please contact: info@lastritesgallery.com

Last Rites Gallery

511 W 33rd Street, NYC
Tel: 212.529.0666

www.lastritesgallery.com

Spirit Gallery Welcomes Diana Diriwaechter

Spirit Gallery Tattoo– New London’s tattoo studio and art gallery hybrid – presents “Neverland,” a collection of artwork by the award-winning artist and photographer Diana Diriwaechter. The show will open on Saturday, August 27, with an artist’s reception from 6-8 p.m. at Spirit Gallery Tattoo, 207 Bank Street, New London, Conn.

“Neverland” gives the audience a personal look into Diriwaechter’s imaginary world and its inhabitants, many spawning from the artist’s childhood memories.

“As a child growing up in Switzerland my family and I spent many summers in a remote cabin in the alps. Besides spending much time reading books, my mother often told me wonderful stories of faraway worlds full of fantastic characters,” Diriwaechter said. “During the day I spent many hours exploring the alpine meadows in the company of these imaginary friends. Today many of my portraits are of characters who escaped from this fantasy world. They each carry with them their own unique story. I hope the imagery evokes the imagination of the viewer to come up with their own background for each inhabitant.”

Born and raised in Switzerland, Diriwaechter found her way to the United States, settling in the Hudson region of New York State. After years in the advertising industry, Diriwaechter landed a job at the Connecticut-based, award-winning Blue Sky Studios as a materials technical director where she has contributed to movies such as “Ice Age 2,” “Robots” and “Horton Hears a Who!” Mainly known for her fine art photography, Diriwaechter has been recognized with many different awards including 1st and 2nd Prize at the prestigious International Photography Awards (Luci Awards), 1st Prize for The PX3 Peoples Choice Awards and a Merit Award chosen by Susan Kismaric, curator for The Museum of Modern Art in New York City.

“Neverland” will hang until September 24. Viewing hours are 12- 8 p.m. Tuesday – Saturday.

For more information call (860) 443-0484 or visit www.spiritgallerytattoo.com.

About Spirit Gallery Tattoo:

Marrying fine art with body art, Spirit Gallery Tattoo – New London’s only art gallery and tattoo studio – showcases paintings, sculptures, jewelry and more from both local artists and artisans to national celebrities. The gallery also hosts art workshops throughout the year. Located at 207 Bank St. in downtown New London, Conn., Spirit Gallery Tattoo strives to create custom tattoos that complement the wearer's body and style.

www.spiritgallerytattoo.com.