Inkfluence

David Mackenzie, Eagle and Ladyhead, 2023, watercolor and marker. Courtesy of David Mackenzie/Rock Solid Tattoos.

Inkfluence

Feb 20, 2025 - Nov 2, 2025


  • Reception Mar 6, 2025

Overview

Castellani Art Museum is proud to present Inkfluence, an exciting celebration of the artistry, culture, and innovation of tattooing, on view from February 20 to November 2, 2025, with a public reception on March 6, 2025. This exhibition highlights the talents of local tattoo artists and explores the intersection of tattooing and fine art through a series of thoughtfully curated sections. Featuring work by Western New York artists including David Mackenzie, Eva Jean Huber, Keith Kuzara, Shannon Kuzara, Kyle Tomlin, Jordy LeVea, Cole Tiedemann, Maer Rose, Olivia Bruning, and Mark Zastrow, Inkfluence immerses visitors in the vibrant world of modern tattooing.

The exhibition is organized into three sections, each offering a unique perspective on tattooing as an art form. The first section showcases wall-hung artwork in a dynamic salon-style hang, revealing the diverse talents of tattoo artists beyond their inkwork, including paintings, mixed media pieces, and even quilts. The second section features artist profiles on freestanding panels that share personal stories, insights into their tattoo styles, and the pathways these artists took to enter the industry. The third section is a multimedia experience, with a projector and seating area for visitors to view short-form videos of the participating artists, offering a direct look into their creative practices and philosophies.

Central to this exhibition is the concept that tattooing is a medium as valid and expressive as any traditional art form. Visitors will leave with a new appreciation for the skill, innovation, and personal expression that tattooing embodies, as well as its growing acceptance and cultural significance in American society. With its thought-provoking and energetic tone, Inkfluence promises an engaging experience for both tattoo enthusiasts and newcomers to the art form alike.

Inkfluence is made possible in part through the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature.