A tattoo art show shows off the best talent of local tattoo artists
A new exhibition in East Kensington brings together dozens of Philadelphia tattoo artists in a gallery setting, swapping needles for brushes. The show, titled Made to Measure, turns the usual tattoo studio into a space where painted backpieces hang on the wall, free of blood, models, or photographs.
Curated by veteran ink‑master Michael Munter, each participant received a 22‑by‑30‑inch watercolor paper template shaped like a human back. Artists were invited to work in any medium, producing a finished piece ready to hang by the end of September. The result is a strikingly diverse collection that reflects the city’s wide‑ranging aesthetic sensibilities.
Around 200 creators contributed, from classic American‑traditional works by Hailee Mae Sharkey and Justin Rakowski—think bold outlines and vintage motifs—to pop‑culture fun like Angi D. Rosa’s colorful SpongeBob portrait and a delicate Japanese crane by Don Juan. Eva Poleon noted how the shared template allowed each artist to imprint their own visual language onto a common canvas.
Hosted at Funhouse Gallery, the show not only celebrates the depth of Philly’s tattoo culture but also points toward future projects, including a planned book and the sale of select pieces. It offers a rare glimpse into a community that, while often hidden behind studio doors, is as vibrant and skilled as any major art scene.