Until 13th of October, the Albrecht Dürer House in Nuremberg is hosting a unique exhibition that bridges different generations and connects them to a significant piece of art history. This exhibition weaves together past creations and human stories from around the world, flowing like ink on skin. It showcases tattoo art in a way never seen before: timeless, vibrant, and multifaceted.
“If all of you contribute with your artistic ability, over time you can ignite a fire that shines across the world.” Inspired by the words of the painter Albrecht Dürer, an unprecedented exhibition has been launched in Nuremberg that intertwines the cultural history of the artist with the contemporary individuality of tattoo art. Running until 1 September 2024, DURER UNDER YOUR SKIN is a collection of over 300 tattoos and the narrating voice of more than 150 enthusiasts from around the world.
The choice to use the artistic works of the painter as themes for tattoos has been in vogue for some time. It has been noted how Dürer’s subjects were perfect themes for this form of art. The lines and structure of the figures fit perfectly with the human composition, as if they had always been intended for this dual aspect. Over the years, celebrities and people from all over the world, through these choices, have created a vast community and, as Olesia Kovalchuk (Tattoo Artist, Los Angeles) states, “Thanks to tattooing, Albrecht Dürer has been resurrected in the modern world.”
The initiative not only explores the history and artistic collection of the painter but also the emotional and psychological aspects that drove each individual in choosing these subjects. It is a sort of temporal evolution and clear evidence of the multiple facets of artistic expression. A single source of inspiration can be shaped and reinterpreted according to countless points of view, and in doing so, the original work gains an additional value: human individuality.
Structurally, the exhibition spans several levels. On the ground floor, upon entering, there is an informative section regarding the technique and process of creating tattoos. The tools used by the Nuremberg tattoo artist Paco Graves are displayed along with photographic documentation of the process.
Staying on the lower floor, one can find a showcase displaying Dürer’s drawings and, moving forward, a section that delves deeper into the content of the paintings, the themes, and the peculiarities of the artist, such as the portraits. One of these was tattooed on the back of a girl while she was studying art history as a profound homage to the painter. Another example is the internationally successful star Maxime Plescia-Büchi, who chose to have two figures from the painter’s monumental works tattooed: Adam and Eve.
The third floor is the most comprehensive and allows one to enter the true heart of the exhibition; here, Martin Küchle has created ten walls depicting the painter’s main themes. The entire exhibition uses every means and technology to allow the viewer to delve into this universe: QR codes, video reproductions, internet platforms, etc. Modernity as a tool to immerse oneself in timeless worlds.
As further emphasisation of this concept, a catalogue containing a selection of over 130 tattoos has been created; the volume was created by Oliver Frank, published by Christine Demele, and the Michael Imhof publishing house. It is a real art book in which concepts, stories, feelings, art, and expressions become testimony to a community.Experiences are recounted and sensations shared; the body, the theme of decorations, and timelessness are addressed and united in printed form.
The aim is also to debunk ancient stereotypes that have classified tattoos as a badge of criminals and outsiders. Here, and throughout the exhibition, the personal importance, the individual, and the unique stylistic choices are highlighted; experiences and sensations are discussed.
Tattoos are an ancient form of art, though often underestimated, requiring talent and manual precision from artisans… it is art and humanity; it is expression on a different canvas and, as this exhibition teaches us, a bridge between generations.
Albrecht Dürer / Under Your Skin
Credits:
Venue: Albrecht Dürer Haus / @albrecht.duerer.haus_nuernberg
Words: Annalisa Fabbrucci / @annalisa_fabbrucci
Editor: Anca Macavei / @ancamacavei
Photo Cover Tattoo by: Maud Dardeau / @mauddardeau