Federico Andújar works in a private studio under his brand “Fede Gas” and maintains his strong ties with graffiti art while fusing them with Neo-Trad and Realism.
Fede, how much of the spirit of Federico Andújar (your real name) who began this work in 2006, after a past as a graffiti artist, still resides in the renowned tattoo artist Fede Gas?
Well, from the spirit of Federico Andújar there’s still much in me! (smiles) In fact, I love taking references from graffiti, and, in the end, the watercolor stains I try to convey bear some resemblance to the strokes of that art.
Do you think your tattoo style is the perfect union point between NeoTraditional, Realism and watercolor technique? Maybe the watercolor remained in the details of your works, right?
Indeed, watercolor has not disappeared from my work. It’s true that I like to evolve and I really enjoy Neo-Traditional styles, but the part of the faces where I basically focus on Realism doesn’t lose its essence. I believe that watercolor is an aspect of my work that I should not lose, perhaps as a hallmark recognized in me since my beginnings. That’s why I keep it, and because, as I mentioned before, there is still something of the graffiti artist in me.
Do you think you have had any masters, even simple, unknown people, not from the tattoo art scene, in your life that you would like to mention?
I have always looked up to friends and colleagues in the profession whom I know personally and admire as artists and people: Oash, Cristian Casas, Johny Domus Mesquita, Kostas Tzikalagias, Pablo Ortiz, Rich Harris, Natasha Animal Tattooer, and many more because the list of good artists today is very long. But lately, I have been paying more attention to painting techniques and I follow some painters like Remo Lienhard, Conrado López, a friend from Seville, and Jess Wathen. All of them have a style in lighting and color selection that is fundamental to me.
I was wondering if a person who is always inclined to learn like you will ever insert new stylistic elements into his future works or if you think that your definitive tattoo style is this…
My way of learning has always been by trying different styles and working with each one for a while. Currently, and for several years now, it is true that I am focused on Realism, and as you rightly say, I have started to mix it with Neo-Traditional.
I don’t think this is my definitive style. I will most likely end up trying new things, as I always do.
Does your ‘Gas Tattoo Studio’ still exist in Sevilla?
The ‘Gas Tattoo Studio’ in Seville, where several tattoo artists worked has indeed disappeared. Currently, a few colleagues and I work in a private studio and have changed its name, but the ‘Gas Tattoo’ brand, which is always associated with me, remains for the sale of merchandise, seminars, t-shirts, etc.
Can you tell me in detail about your frequent business trips to Zurich?
I have a close relationship with Zurich because I lived there for about three years. I have friends, I have clients, and one of my best friends has a private studio there where he hosts numerous international guests. I usually go to Zurich every two or three months to work and visit my friend.
What tattoo conventions will you already have on your agenda between this summer and the end of 2024?
This year I have been present in Paris (IG: @tattooplanetarium) and Frankfurt (IG: @godsofinktattooconvention), but for the rest of 2024, I don’t have any other events planned at the moment.
Can you give a special memory of your recent participation in ‘Gods of Ink’ in Frankfurt?
It had been quite a while since I attended conventions, and this year I was very eager to go. After participating in Paris (IG: @ tattooplanetarium) and, as always, being delighted, I attended the one in Frankfurt, the ‘Gods of Ink’ (IG: @godsofinktattooconvention).
This time I saw an event with an incredibly high level of international tattoo artists, which made me feel very small.
It’s always good to see such a remarkable tattoo scene and landscape to stay grounded and realize how much more I have to continue evolving and learning.
And your last famous words are? Maybe “Always learning”?
Indeed, as I mentioned, traveling, meeting new artists, attending conventions, or simply opening Instagram and discovering new talents makes me want to be, as you know well and as I have tattooed on my fingers, “Always learning”. It is the only way to stay alive in this world of art. I enjoy art in all its forms and I’m glad to see so much good work among my colleagues. That motivates me to keep enjoying the journey!
