East Village denizen Anil Gupta is one of the best tattoo artists in the U.S. (thanks, Ennis). He’s known for his miniature reproductions of fine art. Here’s Seurat and a quarter. It’s sly, painting pointillism at the pinprick end of a tattoo pen:
Gupta draws a straight line from gaudy to Gaudí, from Bollyboards to nipple art:
“So how did you end up reducing the world’s greatest masterpieces into miniatures?” … He explained that as the son of a man who illustrated giant movie posters for Bollywood, he used to paint eyes that were two stories high. “Maybe,” he said with a deep-throated chuckle, “inventing the miniature was my form of rebellion…” [Link]
The newly tattooed find brotherhood in scars:
I pull up my foot in restaurants to show it off and find myself talking to total strangers, to kids with holes in their noses and navels and pictures of writhing snakes and dragons all over their bodies. [Link]
Gupta’s site suggests bringing drawing research materials…
Q: What sort of references do I need to bring with me to my consultation?
A: … There are many different things you can bring to your consultation to use as reference materials, including all types of books and print media, photographs, rough sketches, physical objects (i.e., a seashell, your child’s favorite toy…)
… and reminds you that tattoos are minor wounds:
Q: How do I take care of my new tattoo?A: Leave the bandage on your new tattoo overnight. Remove it the following morning and gently wash the tattoo using only your fingertips and warm, soapy water. Apply THIN coats of A&D ointment for four days, twice a day. After fourth days, switch to a fragrance-free skin lotion like Lubriderm, Keri Lotion, or Curel for two weeks, applying constantly as needed. The healing tattoo will be itchy and flaky. The flakes appear similar to the way a sunburn peels… [Link]
Gupta works out of a studio on E. 5th St. between Aves. A and B. He’s rumored to charge between $300-$400 per hour (thanks, Chiraag). Check out his remarkable portfolio.
