Captivating bodysuits with undulating geometries, intersecting lines that perfectly marry the curves and roughness of the body, this is how we could introduce Nissaco's work of art. As a world-renowned Japanese tattoo artist, Nissaco focuses on the aesthetics of tattooing. He mixes modernity and traditional patterns on his client's bodies to create epidermal artworks.
Hello Nissaco, can you introduce yourself?
I was born and raised here in Japan therefore I use Japanese-based art. I have been a tattoo artist since 2000.
Why did you become tattoo artist?
I wasn’t really involved in the art scene. Tattooing allowed me to get interested in it and better understand how it works. I wanted to know what it was like to ink people. That's how I got into the tattoo world.
How did you learn?
It was the Japanese system. I worked as an apprentice under the guidance of my master. He taught me good manners, the ethics and tattooing.
How is your art greeted in Japan?
I really don’t know what people think of my art. Tattooing is illegal in Japan. I never care about the attention paid to tattooing in this country. I believe none of the tattooists care about it.
What impact do current restrictions, due to the health crisis, have on your work?
95% of my clients come across overseas. The travel restrictions have caused me unexpected damage. I hope it gets better soon.
You tattoo amazing geometrical bodysuits. Could you explain the creative process you have with your client ?
I ask my customer a few questions. There has to be space for me for certain details and for the overall composition. Then I just give it my best shot.
Some details in your work are reminiscent of textile or an animal's shell. What are the symbolic behind these patterns ?
These patterns may or may not have meaning. I don't particularly care what it actually means. I'm not a psychologist. The only important thing for me is whether my client’s body has become cool or not.
What is the part of tradition and the part of modernity ?
I've never thought or cared about it.
What are your main inspirations?
I like looking into a few old Japanese books to pick up some ideas. It’s very inspirational.
Are you still working with Gakkin ? How do you create a body project together?
Yes, we have some collaboration projects that have not yet been completed. We are aiming to create body design, not a performance collaboration where we don't know which part was tattooed by who. Also tattooing by two people at the same time is a strain for the body. Therefore, it is necessary to minimize the part where each of us is tattooing, and to think about the process. It’s better to tattoo separately. What’s more, there are about 6,000 miles between Japan am the Netherlands. I am grateful to the clients who travel to to each of our studios. I hope to show our new piece soon.
You're world-renowned now. Do you have more foreign or local clients?
My schedule is currently full for two years and most of my clients come from abroad. There are several reasons for this. It is more convenient for people who come from far away to make plans in two years. But for Japanese people it’s difficult to make a reservation in one or two years from now. Who knows what will happen in two years ?
Do you express yourself through other arts ?
I am a tattooist. I can only tattoo the customer's body. It's the same for an expert in photography or pottery. I don't express my thoughts. @nissaco
