Berlin’s tattoo studios are experiencing a surge in popularity, while the traditional art world faces challenges. Amid this shift, a new initiative is combining contemporary art with tattoo culture, offering a fresh approach to how artwork is consumed and appreciated. Under the “Works on Skin” project, buyers acquire exclusive rights to have designs by established and emerging artists permanently inked onto their bodies.
Tattooing, considered one of the oldest forms of artistic expression, dates back to 5,000 years ago with early examples like Ötzi the Iceman. Despite its long history, modern tattooing has often been relegated to associations with red-light districts or gang culture, leaving it largely excluded from the mainstream art world. However, the tables have now turned, with Berlin at the forefront of an art market shift.
A New Era for Tattoos as Art
The “Works on Skin” project is redefining the boundaries of contemporary art. With tattoo studios thriving and many artists struggling financially, the initiative has found a unique way to provide a sustainable income while celebrating the long-standing tradition of art on the human body.
Holm Friebe, the project’s founder, explained the motivation behind the initiative: “The art market has frozen up, and many studios are suffering. We thought about how we can open up new avenues for artists and repair a broken market.”
Through its platform, Works on Skin offers limited edition tattoos in the form of fine art pieces, available in numbered prints that range from €100 to €2,000. Buyers not only acquire a print of the design but also receive a certificate that grants them the exclusive right to have the piece tattooed on their body. This transforms the artwork from a “work in limbo” into a personalized masterpiece.
A Different Kind of Tattoo
Unlike the traditional tattoo designs that often include symbols like swallows or tribal patterns, Works on Skin’s offerings are diverse and contemporary. From Andreas Hachulla’s drawing of Berghain’s iconic sound system to Anna Nezhnaya’s whimsical neon doodle of a wine-drinking woman, these tattoos represent a fusion of contemporary art and body modification. Not all designs are intended for free placement—some, like Jim Avignon’s cartoonish flame or Via Lewandowsky’s planet-blue dot, come with specific instructions to enhance their conceptual meaning.
Friebe, a trained economist and nonfiction author, is enthusiastic about bridging the old and the new. “We’re doing something that is both very new and very old,” he noted. “Art on skin was the beginning of art history—before we worked on stone, wood, or paper.”
Since launching last summer, Works on Skin has sold 150 editions, with a new series of designs slated for release on April 17.
Mixed Reactions from the Tattoo Community
While the initiative has gained attention, it’s also drawn skepticism from some in the tattoo industry. Fatih Köker, who founded Berlin’s Noia Tattoo studio in 2015, finds the shift from traditional tattooing practices intriguing. “We were ignored by the art world for years, and now they’re trying to play our game,” he said. At Noia, artists not only design tattoos but also execute them on clients, maintaining a direct connection with their work.
Works on Skin differs by acting as an intermediary between the artists and the customers, taking a 50% commission on each sale. According to Friebe, this model offers artists a sustainable income stream, though it contrasts sharply with the traditional tattoo business where clients directly commission artists.
Copyright and Ownership Questions
The initiative raises questions about copyright and ownership. While buyers receive exclusive rights to their tattoo designs, the work remains a unique version. However, Friebe is unconcerned about potential legal complications if someone tattoos the designs without purchasing the official certificate. “Go ahead,” he said. “But it would be a tribute, not an artwork in its own right.”
Art historian Matt Lodder, who specializes in tattoo history, notes that tattoo artists have long adapted fine art into their own work, making the issue of exclusivity somewhat complicated. “Tattooists have been copying and adapting works of fine art for decades,” said Lodder. He also pointed out that tattoo copyright disputes are challenging to enforce, as tattoos cannot be easily removed.
Despite these legal nuances, Friebe remains confident that his initiative won’t pose a threat to established tattoo artists. “We respect tattooists, but ultimately we work in different fields,” he said. “We sell tattoos by artists who don’t usually make tattoos to people who don’t usually have tattoos.”
Looking Ahead
As the “Works on Skin” project continues to grow, it remains to be seen whether this new approach will disrupt or complement the traditional tattoo industry. With Berlin leading the charge, the lines between fine art and tattooing are blurring, offering new opportunities for both artists and enthusiasts alike.
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