Tattoo

Forum Groningen presents, in collaboration with the musée du quai Branly-Jacques Chirac and Henk Schiffmacher, the exhibition Tattoo.

From June 28, 2025 to January 4, 2026 Tattoo will be on view at the Forum, the exhibition on the fascinating history and recent developments of tattooing. And there's more: during the opening weekend, we will host a tattoo convention together with Schiffmacher to festively open the exhibition!

Through an impressive selection of artifacts, photographs, film footage and unique works of art, Tattoo visitors will discover how tattoos have been used and interpreted worldwide and throughout time. From the ritual traditions in Samoa to the contemporary art form that embraces innovative styles and techniques.

A highlight of the exhibition are the lifelike, silicone models tattooed by internationally renowned tattoo artists such as Filip Leu, Leo Zulueta and Horiyoshi III. Henk Schiffmacher adds a model especially for the exhibition at the Forum and takes Forum visitors on his travels around the world in part of the exhibition.

Collaboration with the musée du quai Branly-Jacques Chirac
The exhibition has been curated by musée du quai Branly-Jacques Chirac in Paris.  The exhibition is curated by Anne Richard, the founder of the magazine HEY! Modern Art & Pop Culture. Tattoo has previously been on display in France, Spain, Canada, the United States, Russia, Taiwan and soon will be at the Forum.

Header: © Isabel Muñoz, Maras (66), 2007 c/o Pictoright Amsterdam 2025