by Steve Forbes
First published 2012
New Zealand pulses with tattoo culture. Three distinct traditions flourish across Aotearoa: Ta Moko from Maori heritage, Tatau from Pacific Islands, and European and Asian styles. Chris Hoult spent a year moving through Kiwi tattoo studios, documenting this vibrant scene. Writer-musician Steve Forbes joined him to capture the stories. Together they profile leading artists like Merv O'Connor, Gordon Hatfield, Monique Mataga, and Te Rangitu Netana. The book combines striking photography with sharp writing. It reveals how tattooing experiences a creative surge in New Zealand. Artists push boundaries while honoring ancient traditions. International admirers recognize the exceptional design quality emerging from these studios. The work celebrates all three rich tattooing forms that make New Zealand's ink culture unique.
Genres: art, cultural-heritage, non-fiction, photography, cultural, cultural-studies
Vibes: intimate, lyrical, thought-provoking
Tropes: artistic-expression, cultural-preservation
Setting: New Zealand, Aotearoa
Period: 21st-century
176 pages · Hardcover · Oratia Books