Known for his impressive body-suits straight out of a technological future worthy of science fiction, Argentinean Javier Obregon opens the doors to his creative universe, undoubtedly one of the most spectacular on the tattoo planet.
Where are you from Javier?
I was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina in 1980 and I am now 42 years old. I discovered tattoos in 1995 when I did my first one and fell in love with them. But it was only later, in 2000, that I was able to buy my first tattoo machine. I thought it would be easy and that it was just a matter of copying designs as tattoo artists had flash designs. But when I bought my first tattoo magazines and discovered real artists, I realised that it wasn't copying. These tattoo artists were creating art on the skin and they changed my way of thinking. The same year I started to study art and the different schools I went through helped me to understand the artistic vision.
Did you already draw?
The first thing I studied was technical drawing. I used to make drawings at school because I had studied electricity as a teenager. When I started studying art, I studied in normal workshops and then in advanced workshops. I studied comics and continued at the Faculty of Fine Arts in Buenos Aires where I learned drawing, painting, sculpture, engraving, etc. Like many people, I thought I was good at drawing but I did it very badly. I had to study to learn to draw. I believe that everything can be learned, with dedication, love and effort.
What about tattoos?
I always liked rock and heavy metal music, that's where I saw my idols with tattoos. I liked the aesthetics and the idea of adorning the body. At the age of 15, I got my first tattoo and I was fascinated by the execution and the aesthetics.
Today your biomechanical style is recognisable, have you always been interested in the organic and the mechanical?
Since I was little I've loved science fiction, in films and magazines. The vision of a mechanical future has always attracted my attention. I like futuristic aesthetics, design and imagery, but I'm also interested in how technology works and advances. I like to watch TV shows that show the possible future and its advances. As I said, studying at a technical school as a teenager reinforced my passion for mechanics. I also studied two years at the Faculty of Aeronautics. Planes are a great passion for me.
I imagine that these body suits require a lot of preparation?
Creating a bodysuit is a very complicated process. Not only in the preparation of the design, but also in the engagement of the client. Often the client wants something - and wants it now - but doesn't understand that it takes a process and a time, which depends not only on the tattoo artist but also on the will of the person who is going to wear it.
Do you feel close to the currents of thought that advocate a technological evolution of man?
If technology contributes to improving human evolution, yes. But we know that this can be seen from different points of view.
I suppose Giger had a strong influence on you, who else?
Of course, yes, but other artists have also influenced me a lot. Ever since I was a kid, series like the legendary Mazinger, Silverhawks, Robotech, etc. have influenced me. From a very young age I was influenced by artists like Beksinski, Starowieyski, Peter Gric, Etc.
You have other fields of artistic expression, especially the Asian style. Is it a way to experiment and keep learning?
I've been tattooing for over 20 years and I've gone through different styles. I have developed the realistic style and especially the oriental style. For me, the oriental style is the best in large compositions. This style has developed over many years and is one of the best in terms of composition and harmony of the body. I copied a lot from the oriental style (even more than from the biomechanical style) and that is how I developed the BioArt style.
Sculpture is also a source of inspiration, for the realism but also for the work in volume. Is it an art form that you feel close to?
I did sculpture at university and it really fascinated me, but I haven't sculpted since. I draw every day and that makes me very happy. I spend time painting and drawing, free design, which relaxes me.
Compared to the pleasure of drawing, what satisfaction do you get from tattooing?
A lot. I love creating designs on people that they wear with pride and happiness wherever they go. Tattooing is a branch of art that is big and very generous.
How do you maintain your creativity?
Tattooing is my life. I'm a fanatic and I live it from the moment I wake up. I like to go to tattoo conventions and talk to tattoo artists but I prefer to talk to older tattoo artists who always have good advice to give. I like visiting art museums and in 2022 I still buy art or special effects books for reference.
Who are the tattoo artists you admire?
I admire a lot of them and in different styles, I will only mention a few and I will surely forget many: Filip Leu, Coretta, Paul Booth, Tin-tin, Luke Atkinson, Aaron Cain, Guy Aitchinson, Victor Portugal, Robert Hernandez, Kali, Fibs, Gakkin, Pablo Barada, Victor Chil, etc. + IG : @javierobregon.art www.javierobregon.com
