Located in Kolkata, Black Hive Tattoo Studio, led by Kabir Ray, is at the forefront of India’s tattoo culture. With a vision to bring traditional and folk art into the limelight of the 21st century, Kabir and his team of talented artists are revolutionising the perception of tattooing in India. They aim to showcase the rich heritage of Indian art by infusing it with modern tattoo styles.
Kabir Ray, the founder and leader of Black Hive Tattoo Studio, has more than 18 years of experience in the art of tattooing. Throughout his journey, Kabir has explored various tattoo styles from around the world. After immersing himself in diverse cultures and learning different techniques, he returned to his roots in Kolkata to fulfill his dream of promoting traditional Indian art as tattoos.
One of the studio’s talented artists is Partha Dey, whose passion lies in Japanese traditional and oriental tattoos. Partha has dedicated his life to studying and practicing these intricate art forms. Although he specialises in oriental styles, Partha is equally skilled in illustrative and new-school tattooing.
Manzul, a prodigal tattooist, embarked on his tattooing journey right after high school. He aspires to create a distinctive style that merges realism, surrealism, and illustrative elements. Portraiture, caricature, graffiti, and urban street art are Manzul’s forte, showcasing his versatility and creativity.
Priti, another artist at Black Hive Tattoo Studio, has a flair for ornamental designs. Her intricate mandalas and filigrees combine elements of alpona and Polynesian patterns, resulting in captivating and visually stunning tattoos. Priti's passion for her craft is evident, as she has adorned one of her legs with alpona-inspired motifs.
Raju Mondal, an artist, who has been with Black Hive since its inception, possesses a deep inclination towards realism and fusing it with illustrative watercolour elements. His keen understanding of the human body's flow and natural musculature drives his designs. Additionally, Raju excels in creating clean and sharp minimalistic tattoos for those seeking a smaller, yet impactful, piece of art.
Vishal, with a penchant for new school and cartoon-style tattoos, creates eye-catching pieces characterised by heavy line work and vibrant colours. His patchwork of characters draws immediate attention and reflects his focused and decisive approach to the tattooing process.
Crow, a novice in the tattooing scene, is in the process of exploring their style and honing their skills. Their deep investment in folklore, mythology, and art history drives their artistic endeavours. Crow aspires to translate their love for these subjects into captivating tattoos that tell meaningful stories.
Devdutta, fresh out of high school, is juggling the prospects of higher education while nurturing her passion for tattoo and piercing art. As an apprentice at Black Hive, Devdutta has already started creating small tattoos for friends, showcasing her dedication and talent.
At Black Hive Tattoo Studio, these talented artists come together with diverse backgrounds and styles to create a unique and inclusive space for tattoo enthusiasts. By blending traditional Indian art forms with modern tattooing techniques, they aim to educate the public about the cultural significance of tattooing in India and showcase its inherent beauty. Through their artistry, Black Hive Tattoo Studio is leaving an indelible mark on India's tattoo culture, immortalising native traditions and folk art for generations to come.
To know further, log on to: blackhivetattoostudio.com
This article has been published in collaboration with Black Hive Tattoo Studio.