Body art by Undulmood is a favorite; the customer, an American now living in Scotland, traveled specifically for the occasion.
Despite airline delays caused by a thunderstorm and flooding on May 20, we arrived in New York City just in time for the NY Empire State Tattoo Expo, scheduled for May 22 to 24. Set at the Hilton Midtown, beneath the city’s towering skyscrapers, the hotel lay in a business district surrounded by relentless tourists. Stepping outside revealed the neon sign reading Radio City Music Hall, with iconic spots like Times Square, Grand Central Station, and MoMA all within walking distance.
Freshly Inked was the main expo sponsor. Celebrated tattooers Stefano Alcantara, Megan Massacre, and Yomico Moreno hosted but did not tattoo; instead, they welcomed visitors and handled event duties. Additionally, Jess Yen, Carlos Torres, Nikko Hurtado, and other headliners participated, contributing to the show’s caliber. As we moved through the venue, we met Scene360’s interviewees Shiryu and Undulmood, and photographed Sumok’s leg art piece as he finished at his booth. Although tattooer Sumok lacked a name banner, his work stood out; he later won “Best of the Day” and three more NY Empire awards. Continuing our exploration, we saw Chungyu Seong’s healed Japanese-inspired backs and Fernando Franco’s bright “Ninja Turtles” thigh tattoo. With guidance from organizers on the third floor, we visited Adam Cadena-Lopez’s booth, where he partied with spectators while working on a huge black-and-grey tattoo. Meanwhile, Italy’s Gianluca Francione (Seppe) completed a back piece in his signature engraving style. Throughout, each floor felt like a separate show, and this, combined with the booths displaying large, colorful, realistic, or grayscale tattoos, created a sociable atmosphere.
Thank you to Marco, Tim, AD, and the NY Empire team for the warm welcome. We look forward to seeing you at the Golden State Expo in September and wish you continued success at the Longhorn State Tattoo Expo in October.
Ghanta represents the Tibet Tattoo Studio, New York City’s first-of-its-kind.
Meanwhile, the Colombian Fernando Franco is a color specialist, and he intensely produced a “Ninja Turtle” to honor his customer, who shares the same character name (Rafael/Raphael).
This particular client, known for an astonishing array of tattoos by well-known artists, nonetheless reserved the front and back for Carlos Torres, demonstrating the high regard for Torres’ work.
Nikko Hurtado continues a “Toy Story”-themed piece with the same client.
Adding to the showcase, stunning and healed backs were presented by Chungyu Seong at the NY Empire Expo.
A ton of freehanding by Jess Yen, also known as Horiyen, a tattooist with 34 years of experience.
Sagdiana Kashaeva, originally from Uzbekistan, now works in Boston, Massachusetts.
Kashaeva spent twenty hours imprinting a lady’s face on skin with pink roses and a heart jewel.
Sumok completed his composition during the event and received recognition for his effort.
Heidi, from Germany, enjoys coming to this expo every year and seeing New York City.
A three-day elaborate leg artwork by Bolugo from Puerto Rico.
Shiryu can’t take his eyes off another sleeve in his “Neo-Japanese” style.
Our jaws dropped when we saw Gianluca Francione’s (aka Seppe) work, which resembles old-school engravings.
As a member of the Horikashi family, Horiyume proudly displays her Tebori abilities.
A really edgy and abstract black-ink piece (incorporating a human skeleton) in development by Ri.
Across from the organizers’ booth on the third floor was Adam Cadena’s grand creation.
To conclude, Sensei Horikashi is regarded for his traditional Japanese tattoos, and his event area exudes a serene atmosphere.
Photos © Scene360