HÀ NỘI — More than 150 tattoo artists from 16 different countries and territories will attend the Vietnam Tattoo Expo 2018 in Hà Nội on July 7 and 8.

Head of organising board Lê Thế Sơn said that the event was the first of its kind in the capital, and was expected to present a panoramic view of the art form, which was regarded as a taboo in Việt Nam for decades.

"However, tattoos have slowly become accepted as a modern art form, proven by the growing number of tattooists and enthusiasts,” he said.

According to Sơn, the Vietnam Tattoo Expo has received thousands of registrations from both local and international artists.

“Due to the large number of people who want to take part in the event, we’ve had to form a five-member council to select attendees,” Sơn said.

The expo will gather tattooists from the UK, France, Italy, Portugal, Spain, the Philippines, Việt Nam and Taiwan.

Some of the stars include Orient Ching and Josh Lin from Taiwan; Trung Kiên, Nam Phong and Gấu Đen from Việt Nam; Ann Savage from the Philippines; and Tery Đỗ from France.

Alongside more than 100 tattoo booths, the two-day event will also include a contest where tattoo artists will showcase their techniques and styles in different categories, including Asian Style, Vietnamese Style and Realism.

Discussions and workshops on several topics related to tattoos, demonstrations showcasing up-to-date techniques and the latest trends are also on the agenda.

An exhibition presenting tattoo supplies and equipment will offer visitors the chance to meet directly with providers.

The expo will also feature hip-hop music performances from 8am until 10pm.  

The Vietnam Tattoo Expo 2018, which will take place at the Friendship Palace, 91 Trần Hưng Đạo Street, is expected to attract 5,000 visitors. For updated information about the event, visit www.facebook.com/vietnamtattooexpo/. — VNS