Backpieces and body suits represent the highest expression of contemporary tattoo art, showcasing the full range of skills and creativity of the tattoo artist. In these works, the artist integrates all his skills of composition, creation and technique into a backpiece or body suit.
A unique, unrepeatable relationship is established between client and tattoo artist, a relationship that evolves over years requiring patience and anticipation to complete such an extensive work. Traditionally, the Japanese give the greatest expression of themselves in a backpiece or body suit, thanks to their ability to blend central subjects with intricate background.
These backgrounds often feature water, air, rocks, and flowers, extending across the body from the back to the buttocks and neck. Dragons, carp, masks and demons, as well as geishas and cherry blossoms, enhance the mythological narrative by harmonising with the body.
In contrast, the American Traditional is characterized by bold lines and large areas of color using the classic palette of this style: red, black, yellow, light blue. Iconic imagery such as eagles, or pin-ups, marine subjects… are common in Traditional backpieces.
Meanwhile Neo Traditional finds all its space to build its complicated two-dimensional texture. Realism pushes boundaries by capturing detailed portraits and lifelike scenes.
For those who love abstraction, the geometric style plays with perfect symmetries, while blackwork explores the power of stark contrast.
Surrealism and bio-organicism also find their way into these tattoos, creating imaginative worlds and fluid forms that blend with the anatomy of the wearer.
