the depot_ shows #02

space for creative living.

March 2021

SHOWS

ISSUE#02

Celebrating the artistry of tattoos and the people who wear them featuring: Amanda Wachob Chris Guest Dasha Ebalotnaya Hill Joice Wang Malvina Mani Martha Smith Mike Boyd Prisonstyle Rugman Wolfgang Schaefer thedepot.co.uk

VIRTUAL TOUR AVAILABLE AT thedepot.co.uk

ringing together internationally renowned tattoo artists with creators and lovers of all things ink, Inked Up celebrates the artistry of tattoos and the people who wear them. The latest exhibition from the depot_ showcases tattoo artists from around the world, displaying newly commissioned original works which translate their unique designs and style to paper.

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These stunning flash sheet influenced works are shown alongside contemporary artists for whom the inclusion of tattoos and tattoo culture within their practice is both a natural fit and an exciting new addition - Inked Up highlights a fresh perspective on the broad and age old theme of “the tattoo”.

Amanda Wachob Dasha Ebalotnaya Chris Guest Hill Luke Ashley Joice Wang Malvina Mani Martha Smith Mike Boyd Prisonstyle Rugman Wolfgang Schaefer

NYC Moscow London Taipei London NYC London London London London Folkestone London London

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NYC

New York City-based artist Amanda Wachob is internationally known for her innovative and conceptual work, both within her tattoo and fine art practice.

Pioneering the watercolour tattoo movement, her works on skin highlight her painterly technique and masterful application with ink - this expertise translates just as beautifully to her works with the depot_ on paper.

AMANDA WACHOB 4

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Inked Up - Celebrating the artistry of tattoos and the people who wear them.

Raindrops

£980.00 Framed Original 35.3 x 44.2cm (framed size) Watercolour on Handmade paper

£300 Unframed 21 x 29.7cm Pencil and ink on Paper

MSC

Gusi-Lebedi

Dasha Ebalotnaya combines delicate yet deliberate colour and playful imagery in her unique tattoos. Often forgoing definitive outlines, she creates contemporary and whimsical pieces tinged with dark humour and touching melancholy.

DASHA EBALOTNAYA

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Redhead

£1200.00 Framed Original 52 x 62cm (Framed Size) Oil on Linen

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Inked Up - Celebrating the artistry of tattoos and the people who wear them.

LDN

Blue with gold gloves £1200.00 Framed Original 52 x 62cm (Framed Size) Oil on Linen

CHRIS GUEST Creating classic figurative works with a contemporary edge, Chris Guest is one of the most exciting artists working within portraiture today. Often depicting heavily tattooed subjects, the artist is able to pair his incredible skill and painting prowess with contemporary and counter culture references to create works which are simultaneously timeless and modern.

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HILL Taipei-based tattoo artist Hill fuses striking colour, abstraction and geometry in both works on skin and paper. Through clean lines and saturated colour the artist is able to convey movement and rhythm, often depicting the natural world.

£450.00 Unframed 21 x 29.7cm Watercolour & Pencil on Paper

Hill 8

£450.00 Unframed 21 x 29.7cm Watercolour & Pencil on Paper

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Inked Up - Celebrating the artistry of tattoos and the people who wear them.

TPE

Hill 7

LDN

Space Skulls

£870.00 Framed Original Diptych 65.7 x 51.7cm (Framed Size) Pencil and Black Ink Liner on Paper

Knights

£870.00 Framed Original Diptych 65.7 x 51.7cm (Framed Size) Pencil and Black Ink Liner on Paper

Luke Ashley is known around the globe for his palm tattoos - a notoriously difficult area of the body to ink, Luke has dedicated his practice to giving his clients expertly crafted palm tattoos which stand the test of time.

Joining the depot_ for Inked Up, the artist his taken his signature motif of the palm as a starting point to create dynamic works which rethink classic tattoo imagery.

LUKE ASHLEY

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NYC Joice Wang is known throughout the tattoo industry for her painterly application and sumptuous floral tattoo pieces; working out of the female owned and lead Grit N’ Glory, New York City, Wang’s style challenges the “masculine” perception of tattoo culture within her work, with her pieces bold through their delicacy. The artist is well aware of the power of tattooing to transform, offering cover ups to those with scars, particularly as a result of self-harm.

We spoke with Joice on her practice, botanicals, and the power of tattoos.

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Inked Up - Celebrating the artistry of tattoos and the people who wear them.

Q Your tattoos are so incredibly luscious and lifelike - what was your

background before you began tattooing? Did you come to your painterly style naturally or was it a development through your career?

A Thank you! I began as a traditional artist working in many mediums,

including pencils, charcoals, and oils. I hear from many of my peers that my work looks painterly and I think it’s fitting. I spent a lot of my time painting between the ages of 6 - now 27 so it is definitely a big influence. I began my apprenticeship 7 years ago when I was 20 and have been professionally tattooing for about 6 years.

Q Florals are a speciality of yours - what is it that draws you to them? You have such a fresh take on the traditional, heavily outlined roses that are synonymous with tattooed flowers, is this a conscious choice?

A Yes! Flowers are a main source of inspiration for me. I grew up gardening

Hard Feelings 2

£780.00 Framed Original 35.3 x 44.2cm (Framed Size) Gouache on paper

with my Grandpa who also taught me how to paint traditional Chinese watercolors. For me, they’re a touch of nostalgia. Tattooing in a more delicate style is a conscious and intentional choice. Often times tattooing is referred to as a “male dominated industry” so I thought I would bring some femininity to the party. A huge majority of my clients are women who may not find the traditional tattoo with a black outline to be their aesthetic. I wanted to give people more options and to also tattoo them in a way that keep longevity as a priority.

tattooing is referred to as a “male dominated industry” so i thought i would bring some femininity to the party.

Q Your work in transforming scars through tattooing is truly awe-inspiring -

how did you come to the idea for the project and how long has it been a part of your practice?

A Thank you!! I have been doing this project now for almost 3 years. I

had seen a video online of a woman who offered free cosmetic tattoos for women who had been attacked with acid to cover their scars and it really inspired me.

Q Working within a female forward tattoo studio, what has been your

experience as a woman within the industry? Do you think this has influenced your style or subject matter?

A I think it definitely has. My experience as a woman tattooer has been

challenging. I’ve worked in many abusive environments in my short career but luckily I am now working at a women owned shop. I think it’s incredibly important to have women-led tattoo shops where we can all feel safe.

Hard Feelings 1

£780.00 Framed Original 35.3 x 44.2cm (Framed Size) Gouache on paper

Q We’re over the moon that you’re a part of Inked Up and the work you’ve

created for it is so stunning. Can you let us know what else 2021 has in store for you?

A Thank you! I would love to do more gallery exhibits in 2021 and explore new mediums and techniques.

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An expert of minimal geometric tattoos, Malvina creates abstract forms and compositions through sharp lines and meticulous shading. Her painstakingly drawn arrangements are at once technical and ephemeral, and the artist’s light yet deliberate hand is clear throughout both her works on paper and her tattoo portfolio.

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Inked Up - Celebrating the artistry of tattoos and the people who wear them.

LDN

MALVINA

Abstract Composition 4 £435.00 Framed Original 36.8 x 49.2cm (Framed Size) Ink and Acrylic on Paper

Abstract Composition 3 £435.00 Framed Original 36.8 x 49.2cm (Framed Size) Ink and Acrylic on Paper

LDN For healing practices: Psicotrópicos I

£150.00 Unframed 21 x 29.7cm Pigma Micron Pens and Black Ink on Handmade Paper

MANI

Brazilian born tattoo artist Mani creates work which celebrates connections to nature and its profound effect upon humanity, expertly demonstrated within her series ‘For healing practices’. The artist’s strategic use of outline and decorative elements within both works on paper and ink on skin reflect her background in graphic design, and display an acute attention to detail and finesse.

For healing practices: Talismã II

£230.00 Framed 35.3 x 44.2cm (Framed Size) Pigma Micron Pens and Black Ink on Handmade Paper

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LDN Body Vase 1

£280.00 Framed Original 35.3 x 44.2cm (Framed Size) Black Ink Liner on Handmade Paper

Martha Smith is an acclaimed tattoo artist and illustrator in equal measure; her signature dotwork work style has evolved from her background in printmaking, a nod to traditional engraving and etching techniques.

With a particular focus on floral motifs and the nude body, Martha’s work combines references of both traditional illustration and tattoo culture in her distinct and beautiful pieces.

We spoke with Martha on illustration, the female nude and the influence of her tattoo career within her work.

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MARTHA SMITH

Inked Up - Celebrating the artistry of tattoos and the people who wear them.

Q Both your tattoos and illustrations

Q As lockdowns and restrictions have

A I began my creative life studying

A Printmaking has played a huge roll in my

are instantly recognisable for their signature dotwork style and bold outlines - is this something which developed out of illustrations into your tattooing or vice versa? illustration, whilst there I became interested in printmaking techniques which involve a confident, permanent line. This is definitely where my style began. Once I became more knowledgeable of the parameters of a tattoo machine, I knew its capabilities so began creating more involved designs using dotwork as a way of showing light and dark.

impacted studios and artists, what role do you see printmaking taking on within your practice? Are you enjoying having more time to create paper and print based works? creative practice this year. I hadn’t printed since I graduated art school in 2010, so it was lovely falling back in love with the process.

Once I return to tattooing, I’m very much hoping to continue making artwork, hopefully balancing my week between the 2!

Q You’re able to utilise these bold

outlines and blocks of colour to create works which depict incredibly powerful women. Do you think your experience as a female tattoo artist has had any influence on this?

A I think working in a very male heavy

field does naturally make you think about gender roles. I have been very lucky both creatively and personally to always have been surrounded by powerful women, very often killing it in male dominated industries - it has given me a foundation of confidence in my gender, and an assurance I can do whatever I work hard at.

Q The use of the female nude in your Body Vase 2

£280.00 Framed Original 35.3 x 44.2cm (Framed Size) Black Ink Liner on Handmade Paper

Body Vase 3

£280.00 Framed Original 35.3 x 44.2cm (Framed Size) Black Ink Liner on Handmade Paper

practice is often tied into depicting fruit or flowers; can you tell us about your interest in illustrating the natural world?

A My biggest inspiration creatively has

always been art for a purpose. This lead me to becoming interested in naturalists and botanists studies of nature, used for scientific purposes and records. I think this is why I’m always drawn to these themes as subject matter.

the depot_ will be releasing 4 exclusive works from Martha, each an edition of just 3.

Available online from 6pm Monday 18th January 2021, these exquisite pieces won’t be around for long.

Q We love the work you’ve created

for Inked Up, and we can’t wait to see what’s next for you - can you give us a sneak peak into what you have planned for 2021 so far?

A Thank you. Hopefully, 2021 will see me

returning to my true love of tattooing. Due to family circumstances, I have had to shield from COVID since March so havent tattooed since then. My husband and I amazingly have been able to stay afloat and positive by creating a new little business of selling my art, but I would love to start tattooing again. Hopefully 2021 will see me and my loved ones vaccinated, optimistic, and ready to start life again!

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LDN Mike Boyd comes to tattooing with a background in biology and a powerful understanding of colour; utilising bold lines and bright colours in his work, he creates stunning pieces which pack a serious punch.

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Skull

£230.00 Framed Original 35.2 x 44.2cm (Framed size) Acrylic on Paper

Inked Up - Celebrating the artistry of tattoos and the people who wear them.

Panther

£230.00 Framed Original 35.2 x 44.2cm (Framed size) Acrylic on Paper

Rose

£230.00 Framed Original 35.2 x 44.2cm (Framed size) Acrylic on Paper

Prisonstyle AKA Tim specialises in traditional hand poked tattoos; always drawn freehand, his iconic doodle style is poignant and playful in equal doses. Working off script and combining his imagery with textual references and phrases embed within the artist’s work a sense of raw, punk authenticity and vitally.

A multi-disciplinary artist working across tattoo, illustration and installation, Tim’s work can been seen adding spark and flair from buildings to bodies across the country.

£225.00 Framed 35.2 x 44.2cm (Framed size) Marker Pen on Handmade Paper

FKS

Excitement

Kween

£145.00 Unframed 21 x 29.7cm Marker Pen on Handmade Paper

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LDN Elvis Ink Vegas

£4925.00 Framed 100 x 100cm Oil paint, acrylic and spray paint on canvas

RUGMAN 18

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Inked Up - Celebrating the artistry of tattoos and the people who wear them.

Anthony McEwan, a.k.a. Rugman creates work which utilises colour, black line and iconography to create a unique visual language which defies convention. Taking influence from street, graffiti and pop art and often juxtaposing elements of vintage popular culture and Americana with emblems of counter culture, his signature style, much like the artist’s career, touches multiple genres.

LDN Companionship

£350.00 Unframed 21 x 29.7cm Watercolour on 300gsm Paper

A master of subtle grey tones and delicate floral arrangements in his tattoo work, Wolfgang creates gorgeous depictions of nature and the natural world in his works on skin and on paper. Utilising watercolours for his originals with the depot_, his graceful hand and application is exemplified.

WOLFGANG

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Alongside the gallery, we also provide a specialist print framing service, with each frame created bespoke for your piece. From gilt to neon perspex, we use traditional and archival methods to showcase and protect your artworks. While we deliver globally, if you’re lucky enough to live locally, we can even arrange to install your new masterpiece for you.

If the current guidelines allow, feel free to come by and see us or visit thedepot.co.uk and book a virtual framing consultation with one of our gallery experts.

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Inked Up - Celebrating the artistry of tattoos and the people who wear them.

VINYASA YOGA

EVENTS From artist talks to glow-in-the-dark life drawing, we’re on a mission to rouse creative spirits.

NEON NAKED Follow us on instagram to keep update with dates and info. the.depot.oldstreet_

WILD LIFE DRAWING

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HOT OFF THE PRESS

Spring Arising and Shapes in Nature

by Wolfgang Schaefer are available now exclusively at the depot_.

These two colour screen printed editions are sublimely finished with luxurious 23 carat gold leaf detailing and each editions of just 15 - these gorgeous works won’t be around for long.

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Latest drops now online at the depot_

Spring Arising

Shapes in Nature

Two layer screen print on 300gsm deckled edge Somerset satin paper with 23 carat gold leaf detailing Watercolour on 300gsm Paper

Two layer screen print on 300gsm deckled edge Somerset satin paper with 23 carat gold leaf detailing Watercolour on 300gsm Paper

£195.00 Unframed 29.7 x 42cm - Edition of 15

Inked Up - Celebrating the artistry of tattoos and the people who wear them.

£195.00 Unframed 29.7 x 42cm - Edition of 15

EXCLUSIVE: Sara Pope

UP NEXT JUNE 2021

Opening June 2021, the depot_ digs showcases artists who inspire and excite us - exploring a diverse range of media, themes and subject matter, we’re bringing together works and artists who keep us loving what we do.

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Great people need great spaces - that’s where the depot_ steps in.

Come and immerse yourself in our culture club for the day. Surrounded by the latest work from cutting edge contemporary artists and inspirational events from thinkers, writers and creators, our spaces are the ultimate place to promote creativity and increase productivity.

Our team are here to serve up speciality coffee from Caravan and the finest loose leaf tea, and menus direct from our favourite, sustainable kitchen - we’ll make sure you leave fed and watered.

From world-class exhibitions to workshops and classes, the depot_ is on a mission to rouse the creative spirit of anyone and everyone who comes through our door.

Spaces which enrich and inspire are at the heart of what we do, and now you can have a piece of the action.

SHOWS PRINTS FRAMES WORKS BITES BREWS

18 Wenlock Rd London, N1 7TA E hello@thedepot.co.uk T +44 (0)20 7033 3450

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