Hong Kong post-war tattoo artists document fading street art style
Taiwan-based artist Jimmy Shy and photographer Yu Chang documented Hong Kong's unique post-war tattoo history starting in 2023.
Street photography project begins
The duo agreed to find subjects only on the street for their documentation effort. They relied entirely on instinct when searching for people with specific tattoos. Many participants kept their ink hidden under clothing until convinced to show it.
Unpredictable encounters occur
One construction worker asked them to carry cement before agreeing to be photographed. Another man refused initially but changed his mind after seeing the artists own tattoos. The second man displayed a large eagle tattoo and claimed it was bigger than theirs.
Style blends traditions
The resulting photobook traces a distinctive style that mixes sailor art with Chinese imagery. This work challenges common stereotypes about triad associations with tattoos in the region. The project started as casual phone photos before evolving into a formal book.
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