The characteristics of each region remain in the art, in the way of life, in the vision of the people who inhabit it. Bringing traditional Korean arts into tattooing in order to make their folklore and history known is the aim of the Korean tattoo artist we present in this interview, Jihwan Ryu, who talks to us about his style in which Traditional meets Asian visual tradition.
Where are you from?
I’m from Seoul, South Korea
Where do you work? Do you have your own tattoo shop or do you collaborate with other tattoo artists?
I work at the tattoo shop called ‘S.H.A.R.P INK’, of which I am co-owner and I get supported by LUNA PIGMENT, SOMBRA GREYS as sponsor.
Why did you decide to become a professional tattoo artist? And when?
I’ve been in the punk community many years and was doing artwork for music album, gig flyer designs. My mentor ‘Jinseok’, a friend of mine in the punk community, was doing tattooing back then, and he asked me if I wanted to start tattooing.
I really appreciated his offer but I told him to give me a few days to take my decision. Because I thought this job was very serious and seemed a big subculture world to dig and study, it looked like a LIFETIME JOB. I called him a couple of days later as I decided to start the apprenticeship.
How can you describe your style?
I do Traditional tattoos and I am trying to mix Korean folk art with tattooing.
Do you like some themes or some subjects in particular?
I focus on folk arts mostly. And traditional tattoo histories from different places.
Sometimes there is a fusion between Traditional style icons, like panthers, tigers, dragons, and details that recall Asian visual culture. Do you want to tell me something more about your approach to Traditional style?
Yes. Those images are all mixed in my vision which is based on my favourite subjects. Recently, I have been trying to introduce ‘Korean folk art’ into tattooing. I’ve always loved Korean Folk Art but it’s not so well known as UKIYOE, or CHINESE, TIBETAN, or other Asian arts.
It still seems unknown to people. There are many other crazy folk art elements besides the ‘weird face Korean tiger’.
I’m trying to travel more to catch those art traditions in the old places and I just can’t stop to dig into it.
I consider Folk Art a very respectful culture from which we can learn a lot, as the characteristics of each region remain in its art, in the way of life, and in the vision of its people. It gives a direction to follow.
Where do you get inspiration from?
I grew up in a Korean shamanism family. That atmosphere brought me into religion, and into the world of nature. Another great inspiration for me is meeting people who love this job and devote themselves passionately to this art. The experience they have gathered on their way and the stories they share with me, resonate deeply in me.
Do you travel for tattoo convention or guest? Where do you like to go?
I went to ‘I love tattoo convention’ in 2019 in Taiwan, ‘Taiwan tattoo convention’ in 2024, ‘China tattoo convention in 2024 in China. And I did a guest at Tokyo Hardcore Tattoo in Japan. In Wayang Kulit Tattoo (Kuala Lampur Malaysia), Melbourne Tattoo Company (Melbourne, Australia), Super Ink (Ghangzou China), Coffin Cricket Tattoo (Taipei, Taiwan), M.F.D.T (Taipei, Taiwan), Scienz_9 studio (Beijing, China)
Do you have any specific plans for your future to share with our readers?
I’ve been researching and collecting traditional Korean Arts. I hope to organize them in a book in future.
