The Long Beach Creative Group announces an exhibition of fine art created by local tattoo artists. Opening Jan. 7, Tatu Tabu will feature working Southern California tattoo artists who go beyond the tattoo studio and apply their amazing skills to their personal artwork. Participants include Long Beach legend Kari Barba, owner of Outer Limits Tattoo, Alan Padilla, Rino Gonzales, Tom Berg, and Sergio Sanchez of The Artistry in San Pedro, Shawn Barber and Christina Ramos of Memoir Tattoo in Los Angeles, and Jhon Gutti of Deer’s Eye Studio in Santa Fe Springs.
“Tattoo culture has influenced new movements in fine art, including pop-surrealism,” said LBCG president Marka Burns, “and we’re looking forward to showcasing their work in the Rod Briggs Gallery.”
Advisory board member Carlos Cordero helped to coordinate the exhibition. “We really enjoyed meeting the artists, and visiting their studios,” Cordero said. “I think everyone who comes to the gallery will be thrilled by the work.”
There will be an artist reception at the opening Jan. 7, and several special events. On Jan. 14, Stories Behind Tattoos invites people to share their deeply personal stories. Changing Perceptions, a discussion panel organized by Kari Barba of the historic and cultural significance of tattoos, will happen Jan. 21. The community is invited to “Movie Night” at 7 p.m., Jan. 26 featuring a screening of the 2013 documentary, Tattoo Nation, which follows tattoo pioneers Charlie Cartwright, Jack Rudy, and Freddy Negrete. All events are free.
The LBCG is supported, in part, by the Port of Long Beach, the Arts Council for Long Beach, and the ongoing support of the Briggs Family Trust.
The LBCG is an established consortium of experienced artists, educators, and art enthusiasts engaged in creating exhibit space and opportunities for local artists through curated exhibits and events. Since 2019, the Rod Briggs Gallery has enabled the group to consistently and professionally present the depth and diversity of artistic expression in Long Beach and the surrounding communities.
During exhibits, the gallery is open to the public. No appointment is required.
Tabu Tatu Special Events
Tattoo Stories
A sharing of personal stories about the significance and meaning of tattoos.
Time: 2 to 4 p.m., Jan. 14
Movie Night:
Tattoo Nation (2013) – Directed by Eric Schwartz
Documentary that follows tattoo pioneers Charlie Cartwright, Jack Rudy, and Freddy Negrete.
Time: 7 p.m., Jan. 26
Changing Perceptions: The History & Cultural Significance of Tattoos
A panel discussion featuring Kari Barba, Goodtime Charlie Cartwright, and Jack Rudy, all board members of the Tattoo Heritage Project. Moderated by culture writer and tattoo journalist Josh Chesler.
Time: 2 to 4 p.m., Jan. 14
Time: 1 to 4 p.m., Fridays through Sundays, Jan. 7 to Feb. 3
Cost: Free
Details: LongBeachCreativeGroup.com and facebook.com/LongBeachCreativeGroup,
Venue: LBCG, 2221 E. Broadway, Long Beach