Hong Kong China International Tattoo Exhibition

Got some wicked tats that you mostly keep hidden away from disapproving eyes? There’s no better place to show them off — and maybe get a new one — than the Hong Kong China International Tattoo Exhibition.

What happens?

The Hong Kong China International Tattoo Exhibition attracts top tattooists from all over the world who are keen to share their love of ink, and help promote tattoos as a form of art.

In addition to the tattooists’ booths where you can make your design come to life, there is also food and drink, entertainment, and a tattoo competition of truly awesome work. Tattoo artists can use this opportunity to connect with industry traders for supplies, accessories and merchandise.

One of the event’s goals is also to remove the negative image that tattoos have in Asia, where traditionally body ink has been considered socially unacceptable — as anyone with tattoos may have found out while attempting to visit an onsen in Japan.

From 4 to 6 October, 2024, Hall 5G of Wan Chai’s HKCEC will be buzzing with over 100 tattoo artists from more than 30 countries, showcasing their craft and connecting with enthusiasts. Whether you’re an artist or a tattoo lover, this is your chance to dive deep into the vibrant world of body ink.

The event kicks off with a special “Poster Marathon,” a visual storytelling experience crafted by global artists in collaboration with the global artist agency 6VI to explore the intersections of tattoo art, Hong Kong culture, and the iconic skull motif.

Artists

The Hong Kong China International Tattoo Exhibition 2024 will feature an impressive lineup of international and local tattoo artists, including renowned names like Davee Blows from Poland, Marko Stamenkovic from Thailand, Sousyu Hayashi from Japan, Nicckuhori from Singapore, and Bez from England. Artists from China, Korea, Serbia, Hungary, France, and Taiwan will also showcase their talents, making this event a global gathering of top-tier tattoo professionals.

History

The convention is the brainchild of local tattoo artist Gabe Shum, who has run tattoo studio Freedom Tattoo for close to two decades, leaving his mark both in Hong Kong and on celebrities like David Beckham and LeBron James.

The first convention, held in 2013, was a three-day event that featured more than 100 international tattooists from countries like Japan, Poland, the US, Singapore, Spain, and of course Hong Kong and China. Every year the event has grown, firmly putting Hong Kong on the global tattoo map.

Schedule 2024

The event goes from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. On Sunday, the event will conclude at 7 p.m.

Tickets

Early bird tickets are available until 1 September, offering a 20% discount:

1-day pass: HK$160.00 (original price HK$200.00)
3-day pass: HK$240.00 (original price HK$300.00)
Get your tickets now at hktattoocon.com.

(HK Cheapo)

Organisers may cancel events, alter schedules, or change admission requirements without notice. Always check official sites before heading to an event.