TATTOO

It's impossible to imagine the streets without tattoos. More and more people have their skin decorated with ink, but where does this fascination come from? What do these ink drawings tell about us? From June 28th, 2025 until January 4th, 2026, the Forum is hosting the international exhibition TATTOO, about the development of tattoos into a global art form. The exhibition was opened in style with a tattoo convention with Henk Schiffmacher on June 27th, 28th and 29th.

With an impressive collection of unique artworks, photographs, film material and special objects, TATTOO shows the history and cultural significance of tattoos. From the deep-rooted rituals in Samoa to modern art forms pushing boundaries with innovative styles and techniques.

A highlight of the exhibition are life-like, silicone models tattooed by internationally renowned tattoo artists, such as Filip Leu, Leo Zulueta and Horiyoshi III. Henk Schiffmacher has made a tattoo on an silicone arm especially for the Forum and takes you on his travels around the world in part of the exhibition.

The exhibition has been developed 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 and Taiwan.