Text and Photos DHK
The Nantes Convention has seen its popularity increase each year and this 12th edition does not depart from this rule. It was a great success. A record number of entries, more than 13,600 ink aficionados made the trip which makes this show, one of the three biggest French tattoo events. Cool shows were also programmed, Gerard Baste’s performance from the Svinkels "awakened the punks within us". We discovered "the last moment" acoustic folk rock duo with Jessica Delot (vocals and violin) and Eric Brisson (guitar, vocals) who also mixed during these three days for the musical atmosphere of the convention. We could also get Jean-Luc Navette's latest book « Nocturnes » signed, himself being at his booth the whole week-end. A superb organisation orchestrated by Stephanie of Corpus Memori and Yann of Buzz Tattoo, who also created the brand new convention in Vannes. The event, since a few years now, is installed in one of the large halls of the Beaujoire exhibition centre in Nantes. It is a spacious and bright space and easily accessible, the right choice.
The tattooists top of the crop was of course present, many from France but also a big participation of our Quebecker cousins such as Alex Dupuis, Maxime Bonneau, Ameli Fleury, Tom Lortie among others. We could also admire the work of artists such as Rosacio from Madrid (Mao y Cathy), Uncl Paul from Athens, Joey Ortega from Austin, Texas, USA, Stefano Alcantara (Peru, USA), Belly Button of Perpignan, Lilou Sly of Clermont-Ferrand, Samoth, Fat Manu, Mikado, Noka, Bougne, Laurent Z, Julien Thibers, Amy Mymouse, Lionel Mister Biz, Dimitri Hk, Ludo de G-Gen, Gwendal Owan, etc. and Léa Nahon who also made this edition’s poster. Nearly 260 artists present for this twelfth edition. For food, many foodtrucks cooking specialities from all horizons were parked in front of the convention. Contests and a charity auction also animated the weekend. We can't wait for the next one, which will take place on October 5,6 and 7,2018, still at the Beaujoire.
