“There are fairy stories to be written for adults. Stories that are still in a green state.”
― André Breton, Manifestoes of Surrealism
Something tells us that Breton never expected his ideas, which surged into the entire Avant-Garde movement that was Surrealism, would lead to people placing this kind of art on their skin. Tattoo artist Ottorino D’Ambra has tasked himself with developing a unique body art style he calls surreal. A combination of techniques and inspiration has molded the evolution of his work and made him the go-to for a particular style of tattoo.
Born in Milan, Italy, D’Ambra began developing his work in 1998 through bizarre and fascinating designs that used animals, geometric shapes, patterns, and collages. Nobody expected that the public would fall in love with his style, making him a coveted artist. But D’Ambra has not allowed the notoriety to make him neglect his work. Instead, he has continued to enrich his creations.
The tattoos made by the Italian artist are elegant and surpass any logical thought: flowers, animals, and objects play off each other through a myriad of shapes, textures, and ideas that turn them into portable works of art.
D’Ambra graduated in 2003 from the Accademia di Brera academy of arts, specializing in design. However, he has also gained plenty of inspiration from working as a set and interior designer in his hometown.
After finishing his studies, he began his tattoo artist career in 2005 and moved to London in 2009 to open his own shop. The White Elephant is a space where several kinds of art are made and exhibited.
Drawing, audiovisual, decoration, and design are only some of the disciplines that have fed into Otto’s tattoo work. His work has been exhibited throughout England.
Each of his tattoos has a life of its own. His designs reflect the melding of physical representation with an abstract thought, which have become their own brand of this age long practice. Usually tattoos tend to have similar traits: outlines, tones, textures, etc. But Otto’s styles seem to adapt to the wearer, they’re unique yet all seem to be his brand.
Regardless of which body part you’re interested in tattooing, there are several choices regarding design and placement. So don’t rush. Find the right artist for you who will be willing to engage in a conversation of what you’re looking for. Remember that several artists have their own particular style, so don’t ask someone who specializes in lettering and monochrome to do a colorful sleeve of unicorns. Instead, find an artist who prides themselves as a unicorn expert or whatever you’re looking for; there’s surely an artist for you.
Translated by María Suárez
