Venezuela Tattoo Expo news report...
The eclectic mix of people at the recent Venezuela Tattoo Expo showcased not only a plethora of unique designs, but a range of explanations behind the body art.
US man Matt Gone, known as the 'Human Checkerboard', has 98 per cent of his body covered in tattoos - for rational reasons.
'I got tattooed not to hate my body. I have rare birth defects, many medical issues. I have seven birth defects and kidney disease. I did not want to hate my body because of my medical problems so I hid my birth defects with the tattoos. I got my body more special with the tattoos. So I had a sick body and now I have a tattooed body,' Gone told Reuters.
Maria Jose Cristerna from Mexico, who goes by title of 'Vampire Woman', sees her own tattoos as a form of self expression.
'Freedom of expression, at its fullest, no taboos, no prejudice and above all, dignify women and move forward,' she said.
Also in attendance at the expo was Colombian Cain Tubal who goes by the name 'The Devil from Colombia'.
'I have always been attracted to body transformations. So I decided to go for it because I don't know if I will be here tomorrow. So if you don't do the things that will make you feel better about yourself now, you'll never do them,' said Tubal.
The expo also featured tattoo-themed workshops, concerts, fashion shows and tattoo booths.
Tattoo and Bodyart expo comp...
To celebrate the Tattoo and Body Art Expo in March, the Fairfield Advance are giving away five double passes to the event on Saturday March 9.
To enter, log on to Fairfield Advance Facebook page www.facebook.com/fairfieldadvance
Like the page and fill out the short entry form. Tell them what you are looking forward to the most at the Expo.
Australia Day weekend saw see Dubbo residents rush to the Dundullimal Homestead to see an event so unique, it's the first of its kind in regional Australia.
The inaugural Body Festival Dubbo was held on January 26 and 27, with internationally recognised body artist Tim Gratton, and his wife Suzanne.
The two-day festival had a special dinner courtesy of celebrity chef Michael Manners.
Day one of the festival started at 11am and had the theme folklore, myths and legends of Australia.
It also featured a blacksmith demonstration, heritage activities and the debut of the Australasian Body Painting Competition in the southern hemisphere.
Proceeds are to be shared between the National Trust Dundullimal Homestead and Beyond Blue.
On the festival's Facebook page, Mrs Gratton posted a comment to a potential competitor saying a $500 cash prize would be awarded to winners of the competition.
The event was initially proposed to be held in October last year.
The event is expected to attract an international audience as well as competitors from Melbourne, Sydney and elsewhere in Australia.
The Dundullimal Homestead can be found at 23L Obley Road, Dubbo. For more information on the Body Festival, go to www.bodyfestival.org
Sydney Tattoo & Bodyart Expo in Sydney: March 2013...
Royal Hall of Industries, Lang Road, Moore Park. Sydney
Tickets will be available online from December 2012.
Door tickets starting selling Friday 8th March 2013 at 11:30am and continue each day of the expo.
Fri 8th March –12noon - 10pm
Sat 9th March – 12noon - 10pm
Sun 10th March – 11am - 7pm
COST
Single Day: $25 online / $30 door
3 Day Pass: $65 online / $65 door
Child 12-16: $10 online / $10 door
Child 12 and under: FREE
Website: www.tattooexpo.com.au
Websites
Human Statue Bodyart
www.humanstatuebodyart.com.au Media Man International
www.mediamanint.com
