Korean artist Kim Jung Gi is not only an authentic genius of drawing, he is also a true star. His performances live and filmed during which he draws spectacular frescos without pre-sketches and only thanks to his visual memory capabilities, are seen and shared on social medias by millions of people. All are fascinated by his technical skills and the level of details in works, depicting scenes from the daily life or taken from his imagination. A talent that we find in his sketchbooks published every year where, among all his drawings, it has not escaped us that the tattoo came back regularly. We went to ask him why.
What importance do you give to tattooing in your drawings ?
It has a strong image and also gives a severe aspect to my characters. I choose the tattoo depending on its identity. If it’s something sweet, then it will be feminine ; if it’s skulls, it will have a more powerful impact. I like Russian tattooing for example because through it people talk about their lives, these tattoos give some depth to their history. I have rarely seen tattoos from a close point of view, I usually look at them in the streets, in photographs. I have a dozen books in my studio that I use as references.
Are you interested in specific styles ?
I loved the Japanese tattoo but now it’s not my favourite anymore. I like black & white tattoos instead of coloured ones, I would prefer them to have less nuances. That’s why I like traditional styles, but I’d like to see more new approaches to it.
When did you start getting interested in tattoos ?
From high-school and I came to it naturally, as I like drawing. At that time also, friends were asking me to tattoo them, but I couldn’t ; others would ask me to draw sketches that they could get tattooed. Today, two people have my drawings tattooed on their body : a friend and my manager. I sketched straight on the body before a tattooer inked them.
Does Korea has a tattoo culture ?
Tattoo is officially forbidden in Korea. Tattoos can only be done by a doctor who has a licence to practice it - authorities justify this legislation for safety reasons. Therefore, it is mainly associated to criminals and has a very negative image. Culturally, there is also this idea that people should not modify their body. It belongs to the parents and should stay undamaged as long as people live. It is a taboo. Even cutting the hair is something that is not positively perceived for men. As a consequence, it is for this reason that I don’t have any tattoos yet, even if I would like to. I must admit that I’m afraid of pain too .
What designs would you choose ?
I would like to get tattooed with my own designs. With insects, beetles for example, crabs, spider-crabs with long legs ; few people wear them and I think that it can be very beautiful. I love animals and nature. I could get tools tattooed too, I love everything mechanical and also motorcycles. I’m a right-handed drawer so I would like to get it inked first. But… I’m so scared !
Is tattooing popular among the youth in Korea ?
Today, yes, very popular. Young people are not afraid to show them in the streets, even if it’s not really well perceived. But I think that tattooing has lost its strength with its popularization. I have this impression that less people have meaningful tattoos today. I would like to see more young people thinking before getting tattoos instead of consuming it.
Among the erotic drawings that you do, women are also tattooed. How erotical is tattooing?
Yes, for me tattooing is something strong, erotic and trash. I like tattoos that enhance bodies, like a decoration.
From a technical perspective, what do you think about tattoos ?
For a long time I believed tattoos were flat but I realised that it was possible to create depth. The tattooer needs to have a lot of experience to imagine the evolution of the colours through the time, it is impressive to realise that this professional has a precise knowledge at the moment he works. + https://www.kimjunggi.net/fr/ http://www.superani.com/index01.html
