Windsor’s first tattoo expo aims to challenge and change the negative perceptions surrounding body art.
The Inked Circus Tattoo Expo, part of a six-city tour across Ontario, featured live tattooing by professional artists. The event took place at the WFCU Centre from July 5 to 7.
Domenic Amatiello, co-organizer of the expo, highlighted Windsor’s vibrant tattoo scene.
“Windsor has over 35 tattoo shops. We’re close to the border, so we have artists from both the U.S. and Canada,” Amatiello said.
For those who can’t imagine getting a tattoo, Amatiello emphasized that many first tattoos carry deep personal meaning.
“A tattoo is very personal. The first one is often a memorial, commemorating an event or remembering someone who has passed,” he explained. “Many people don’t understand this until they experience it.”
The Inked Circus Tattoo Expo attracted visitors curious about tattoo culture but not ready to commit to getting inked.
“People in the tattoo community are some of the best you’ll meet,” Amatiello said. “Don’t judge a book by its cover; you might find yourself becoming part of the community.”
He added that tattoo culture is about “freedom of expression.”
“Tattooing is one of the oldest forms of expression, dating back over 10,000 years,” Amatiello noted. “It’s narrow-minded to criticize it or hold a negative opinion.”
The Inked Circus Tattoo Expo’s next stop is in London, from August 16 to 18.