Gdansk Tattoo Konwent- a tattoo convention that defies all conventions

Tattoo is the main reason for the encounter with Tattoo Konwent. During the event in Gdańsk we will witness the work of around 450 tattoo artists. Their works will be presented in 12 contest categories in which the Jury composed of: Sion Smith (editor of the British trade magazine Skin Deep), Sebastian Junior Jaryszek (legend of the Polish tattoo scene), Marcin Pawlus (owner of the Tricity-based Dwa Śledzie studio), Bartosz Panas (owner of the Warsaw-based Caffeine Tattoo salon), and Joanna Fąferko (one of the most renowned tattoo artists in Poland), will award 36 prizes. The event will host not only such Polish tattoo luminaries as: Max Pniewski, Andrzej Niuniek Misztal or Piotr Deadel, but also guests from abroad, with such names as: Julien Thibers (France), Freddy Gricourt (France), Vincent Bloodline (Italy), Tondrik Tattoo (Czech Republic), David Roduit (Switzerland), Benoit Gipsy Santiago (France). Once again, Gdańsk Tattoo Konwent will host the original action “Dziarka w ciemno” (“Ink in the Dark”). This time the tattoos with a theme unknown to the tattooed person will be made by: KTOF and  Red. Novice tattoo artists will take part in a seminar on grayscale tattoo, led by Marcin Sokołowski from the Contrast’ink studio from Cracow.

This year the main stage of Tattoo Konwent, together with its special multi-media decorations, is an attraction in itself. Among the Konwent’s shows there is the original 3D mapping INK3D presenting the history of tattooing. The project is a cooperation of the Konwent, Aga Szuścik (script and direction), and Tomasz Gawroński (realization). Sunday afternoon will bring the concerts of Russian underground bands – Moscow Death Brigade (hardcore rap) and Siberian Meat Grinder (crossover trash). The event’s program has also aerial stunt shows performed by Sara and Lara from Aerial Vertige, a breathtaking fire show by Mike Garcia, and an eccentric performance by Fakir Testa. Music on the main stage will be provided by DJ Sayuri.

For the first time independent mini stages will be set next to the main stage – called “dimensions”, in the spirit of the motto of this year’s event. In First Dimension we will see how Fred Kyrel creates his extraordinary pieces of clothing inspired by the Shibari – Japanese art of rope bondage. The outfits will be presented by the alternative models who are renowned in the ink world: Vinka Wydro (France), Wildcat (Germany), Giulia Bonci (Italy), and Thalya Myha (Belgium). The same mini stage will also host the most renowned Polish street punk band – The Analogs. The band will come to Gdańsk in a reduced line-up with its project Pudło, in which they perform their pieces unplugged. Second Dimension will host Kuba Kujawa from Tattoo.pl who will make a live drawing of a model and the Play Piercing team, and Third Dimension will be taken by Serio, who specializes in bodypainting.

Special zones are an integral part of each Tattoo Konwent. As usually, old school vehicles will appear in the venues of AmberEXPO, together with the Hotball team. Food trucks will be parked outside of the hall, offering a varied menu. The event will have a children zone, sponsors’ zones and fashion fairs with exhibitors offering clothes, accessories and gadgets.  An art gallery will not be missing, displaying graphic artworks by Michał Mozolewski – author of this year’s posters of Tattoo Konwent, Kamila Burzymowska’s photographs created as part of the “Beauty behind the Ink” series, Aga Szuścik’s exhibition “2081”, “Od rzeczy” by Jan Maciej Bojko, and works by Emil Ćwik.

The event is crowned by many special actions. As always, the participants will print out their Konwent selfie in the Socialdruk's stall, model for Watemborski against the backdrop of a step-and-repeat, and take part in a burger eating contest. The chill zone will have music brought by DJ PZG and DJ Rhythm Baboon. Saturday night afterparty will take place in the club 100cznia. Tattoo lovers will dance to the music by: SAYURI, Vinka Wydro – an alternative model taking part in the Shibari Fashion Show but most importantly a French DJ ‒ as well as KinkyOutsider, one of the organizers of Tattoo Konwent. Tattoo Konwent is also engaged in charity and supports all kinds of prosocial activities. Once again, money for SOS Children’s Villages will be collected. On the second day of the Konwent a meeting with Aga Szuścik will be organized, during which she will tell, as she has done before in her TEDx talks, about fighting cancer and about prophylactic examinations that may save one from a lethal disease.

Discounted tickets to Gdańsk Tattoo Konwent are now on sale online. Ticket prices start from 39 PLN (one day admission) and 49 PLN (two days admission). There are also budget family tickets from 105 to 175 PLN, depending on the selected option. There are also VIP tickets for 300 PLN. For the first time tickets are also available in stationary pre-sale in the Empik chain. During the event only one-day tickets (50 PLN) and two-day tickets will be available in 2 festival ticket offices. Seniors and children up to 10 years of age have free admission to the festival.

For more details and full program of the event, visit www.tattookonwent.pl