PERMANENT VOL.2

Two Melbourne tattoo greats, Kris Sunkee and Insamnia have come together to create not only one of the biggest tattoo studios in the southern hemisphere, but a commercial gallery that is now a staple to the art scene in Melbourne. Located in the stylish High street district of Armadale the space welcomes all kinds of creatives. From artists of the canvas to those who create iconic pieces of work on one's skin.

With artists from every skill level and different corners of the world, Compendium Gallery is honoured to display this cohort of amazing artists. 

This show's main objective was to bring together the Australian tattoo community to showcase the overall talent these artists have when given pure creative freedom. It is often believed that many, if not all tattoo artists' work exists on either the screens on their iPads and then transferred into the deep layers of their clients skin. The Melbourne Compendium is a space that breaks apart this stereotype, especially with this exhibition as these art objects are created by some of the most notable tattoo artists both in Australia and Internationally. 

With some of the biggest names in tattooing Benjamin Laukis, Aaron Norton and Adrian Dominic

This year's edition many artists have focused on the portrait, whether this includes a contemporary interpretation of the classical female portrait or a portrait of iconic comic book characters. Many of the artists in the show are known for their portraiture in their tattoos, so when given pure creative freedom it is quite interesting to see them fall into what they know so well.

This exhibition at Compendium Gallery offers a rare glimpse into the broader artistic capabilities of renowned tattoo artists. By transcending the boundaries of their usual medium, these artists showcase their talents on canvas, bringing their mastery of portraiture and creative expression to the forefront. This event not only highlights the versatility and innovation within the tattoo community but also reinforces Compendium's role as a bridge between tattoo art and the wider visual art world.