Let’s get to know better this tattoo artist who works both at ‘Schutt & Asche’ in Dresden and at ‘Der Grimm’ in Berlin. Always with a great artistic project in his mind.
Marco, can you explain to us what was the initial spark in life that made you become a highly appreciated tattoo artist?
I got a close friendship with my tattoo artist Marcel (IG: @fxhq_tattooer) when I started getting tattoos myself and I helped him at conventions. This is when I first had contact with the scene. I was overwhelmed by the kindness and creativity of the people there and, yeah, I think that was contagious! (laughs) I did not draw at all until then, but after that I drew everyday like a maniac.
Where do you think your inspiration comes from?
It comes from many different things and obviously merges together. A lot from video games like ‘Bloodborne’ or the ‘Souls’ games in general. Dark movies like ‘Hereditary’ or ‘Shutter Island’ also spark a lot of inspiration for me. Last but not least taking long walks in a park or at the river in Dresden, the city where I live. I think that’s where I get the most ideas for my designs.
If you had to describe to a lay reader the style of your truly unique and reference-filled tattoos, what would you tell him/her?
To keep it simple I would say it’s Surreal Blackwork. There is a lot of Traditional foundation in it since I started with Old School tattoos and I still like them. Later I developed something that focuses a lot on contrast and clear shapes, even with Tribal elements.
Let’s talk for a while about your role in the tribute to the beautiful ‘Midsommar’ film by director Ari Aster…
A befriended photographer Jonas (IG: @bookings_always_closed) asked me to do a shooting with him and I got to choose the theme of it. As I told him about the idea to do something uncanny and creepy like the mood the movie ‘Midsommar’ creates he was all in!
I don’t know, in some way this feeling is the most intense and interesting to me.
I didn’t want to just do nice looking pictures, I wanted to transport a certain feeling to the viewer and I’m super happy with the results. He did a great job!
You work between Dresden and Berlin. So I’d like you to say a few words about ‘Der Saloon’ and ‘Der Grimm’. Are they heterogeneous environments or with distinct characteristics?
Sure! First of all my shop in Dresden is getting a rebrand and is now called ‘Schutt & Asche’ (IG: @dersaloontattoo) which means “rubble & ashes” in German language.
I work there with the loveliest people and it’s a place where I can make my vision of a cool tattoo studio in East Germany come true.
I want to create a welcoming creative scene in a city where it’s not at the point where I want it to be.
Since the tattoo scene there is not very connected my idea is to push this a bit forward by creating a space that is open for creative exchange and that supports uprising young artists with potential.
And at ‘Der Grimm’…?
At ‘Der Grimm’ (IG: @der_grimm_tattoo) in Berlin this already happend and it inspired me a lot. The studio has everything you could wish for as a tattooer and I love my colleagues there. It is a nice contrast to Dresden that keeps my mind fresh and gives me energy. You get to know so many skilled artists there it’s crazy. Of course I am super grateful for all the possibilities that have been given to me there. Especially by Felix (IG: @younghearted.tattoo)
Have you already booked any tattoo conventions or guest spots on your agenda for the next few months?
Yes! I will be attending ‘The Iron Gate Tattoo Convention’ (IG: @theirongatetattooconvention) in Sydney in November. This will be my first time in Australia – so I’m super excited.
And your last famous words are… ?
May chaos take the world!
