Photos: Check Out Some Winning Ink From This Weekend's Tattoo Arts Convention

By Stephen Gossett in News on Mar 20, 2017 4:01PM

Even if the extent of your ink is just some residual splatter of a pen-explosion accident, it's impossible to not admire the talent that's brought together each year at the annual, three-day Chicago Tattoo Arts Convention. Scores of artists and vendors from around Chicago, the Midwest and beyond convened over the weekend at the Donald E Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont to show off their designs, ply their trade, compete in a few contests, and celebrate the tattoo community and culture. The size and scope of the work done over the three days is massive, but you can check out a slate of highlights above and below.

Above are some of the daily champs for Best Black and Gray Portrait, Best Color Portrait, and Tattoo of the Day. "Woody Harrelson photorealism for the win" is a phrase I never thought I'd type, but the honor is well deserved. And much of the color work on display was particularly arresting. Check out more such examples below.

And a side-note reminder: if you haven't seen the Field Museum's excellent Tattoo exhibit, you have just a little over a month to check it out.