Can we speak of an identity specific to Swiss tattoo? A signature recognizable amongst all? Does Switzerland hold a special place in the world of tattooing? “In any case, it holds a more important position than Swiss tattoo artists are willing to admit, in terms of quality and diversity of forms”. It is this multiplicity and virtuosity that Clément Grandjean, a journalist specializing in art history and tattooing, wanted to highlight in his book “Swiss Tattoo, Graphics Skin Deep”.
Indeed, Switzerland is a country of great artistic richness linked to tattooing. From its pioneers to the new generation, the Swiss tradition is creative and dense.
A preface written by Filip Leu sets the tone. Devoid of ports, Switzerland did not benefit from the soaring of the marine tattoo, which is a symbol of travel and discovery all around the world.. On the other hand, the revival of tattooing since the 1970s has allowed a certain evolution of the practice and has seen the birth of a myriad of talented artists.
But how to define the Swiss tattoo? Several propositions are made. For example, the privileged geographical location between France, Germany and Italy, countries where tattooing stems from prisons, ports or even pilgrimages. Traveling accross borders allowed ideas and material to circulate, as Clément Grandjean points out “Abroad, people know some famous names, but they don't really perceive Switzerland as an entity of its own in terms of tattooing. The most famous Swiss tattoo artists have worked all over the world.” Another example: in terms of graphics, typography and design, Switzerland is recognized worldwide, in particular thanks to the Helvetica font.
A historical part of the book goes from prehistory, to the sailors and convicts-filled 19th century, to finally land at the times of the pioneers of which the Leu family is an example for the whole country, but also on the international scene. Per travels and encounters around the world, this family of artists was able to federate a real community around them and bring their admirers to Switzerland.
Throughout the book, we discover the portraits and works of about thirty artists. We go from epic dark style to Japanese, from neotrad to illustrative, from lettering to blackwork, from traditional to ornamental, from dotwork to abstract and from biomechanical to realism. Academic studies for some, while others practice graffiti or linocut. Often also passages in the graphics. All roads lead to tattooing for these artists.
Sometimes, we come across perfectly Swiss and tenderly clichéd motifs that make tattooed people happy: fondue, edelweiss, mountain chalet or alpine landscapes. An improbable meeting between the traditional and the folkloric. We talk about Swiss sobriety, maybe this is the "Swiss touch"!
Portraits de Simon Baron, Giorgio Barduagni, Werner Businger, Dirty Randy, Eskey, Gaëlle Garrocq, Jo, Sandra Gioria, Happypets, Tami Hopf, Ralf Hungerbühler, Ink and the Gang, Manu Intos, Zalem Ishka, Janik Jehle, Jona, Jordalive, Michael Joss, Rob Koss, Gina Madskull, Johann Morel, David Mottier, Neina Neina, Christian Nguyen, Vince Pages, Lou DC, Sandy et Pat, Marco Romegialli, Slumdog Tattooer, Diego Thonney, Yashka, Zilba, Christos Zorbas Swiss Tattoo, le graphisme dans la peau Clément Grandjean Helvetiq 21 x 30 cm
