Member of a creative family, Fabio Gargiulo, born in Naples in 1981, started inking "on the road" before opening the South Ink Tattoo Shop in 2006. His style, strongly influenced by the traditional oriental art, inks pieces whose subjects retrace popular tales and stories of war and love of Japanese tattooing. He perfects his hand in his love for refined Japanese art, also respecting technical dogmas and a mastered tattoo iconography.
You edited the book "Han'nya Brigade" - inspired by these Japanese theatre masks of the same name. The artworks and paintings gathered are based on this fantastic legend of a woman returning to earth for revenge - these masks from the plays Aoi no Ue and Djo-ji, represent different demons that several selected artists have had fun representing. Could you introduce this book to us ?
This year (2016) celebrated our shop’s 10th anniversary, my second home the "South Ink Tattoo Shop". In the idea of celebrating this small achievement I asked some friends and artists whom I admire and esteem, to paint this Hannya mask according to their own style and interpretation. It’s one of the most popular masks in all Japanese iconography. This famous Hannya is also our logo.
Was the exhibition "Han'nya Brigade Art Show" also part of this initiative?
In fact, for this exhibition, we managed to bring together 20 original paintings and, in my opinion, each and one of them are extraordinary. Among the artists who made it possible are Filip Leu, Tomo, F. Ferroni, Stilian Smokov, Bill Canales, Dalmiro, C. Crooks, Sailor Bit, Joel Ang, Horichiro, Horiei, my good friend Vlady, Klem, Diletta Lembo, Mojo, Pallocchini, Gianluca Fusco, Baki, Otto D' Ambra, Delia Vico, Natalini, Pencil, Gabbiano, my colleague F.Bellopede, Miss Juliet, Grog and many others. On October 21st at the South Ink Tattoo shop in Pozzuoli, I was proud to present the "Hannya Brigade" exhibition, with exclusive paintings, to celebrate this anniversary. Then, in 2017, we will publish the book containing this vast collection of artworks, which will also be produced and distributed by Miki Vialetto (known editor-in-chief of Tattoo Life Magazine). I thank him for the support on this project.
Your art is close to Japanese but in a very new school twist. What is your approach and why did you follow this path?
I like this style and I believe when combined with the tribal style, it’s the genres that blend best with body shapes. Powerful and harmonious, at the same time. But it is only in the last few years and simultaneously by improving my technique that I was able to create and elaborate more imposing projects. I am constantly looking for new subjects, Japanese myths and traditions that can inspire my tattoos. I study and admire the drawings and paintings of masters like Kuniyoshi, Hokusai or Kiosai and many others. I believe that the culture and knowledge of oriental art is essential for anyone who, like me, wants to progress in this style.
What part do you like most about Japanese style?
The truth is, it depends on how I feel, I prefer mainly macabre, mysterious subjects like Yokais and terrifying masks. I've been painting a lot of watercolors lately and I save myself a lot of time during the week to get to the end of my own ideas, without having the commitment to please a client. You live and tattoo in the suburbs of Naples, how would you describe the tattoo in this area. Is it very developed? Naples is a city full of history but also very inspiring by its art and culture. It’s a place where people are creative and passionate. It's also what makes me see the positive side of this job, and only this last one. The tattoo nowadays is common and customers are always better prepared and ready to give themselves in new and more important experiences.
What is your process for making huge backpieces like you do ?
I talk a lot with my clients. Very often, one of their ideas inspires me and can also be the starting point of a very good project. Usually I print a photo of the back and draw a few drafts to get a good harmony between the body and the subjects I draw. I try to create existing compositions, recreating real myths to which the subjects belong. I like to play with the backgrounds and movements of the water or the movement that can create different winds according to the imagination. Informations : Fabio Garguilo – South Ink Tattoo Shop (Naples, IT) Livre “Han'nya Brigade” - 50 € Une collection de représentations de l'icône japonaise Hannya, par plus de 200 tatoueurs internationaux. Créé par le South Ink Tattoo Shop, pour ses 10 ans d'activité. http://www.southinktattooshop.bigcartel.com/
