The work of Italian artist Pellerone has defined himself as Gabriele a visionary in contemporary art after inventing and introducing the artistic concept of tattoo painting. A tattoo artist by trade, Pellerone developed the unique technique while experimenting with his everyday tools. Using silicone rubber and synthetic leather as his canvas, Pellerone tattoos his art in a style that is both realism and fantasy, inspired by Renaissance culture and pop.
Born in a suburb of Reggio Calabria, in the south of Italy, Pellerone discovered his passion for drawing at an early age, writing on everything from the walls to his clothes. After finishing school, he started looking for a job in Barcelona along with a dear friend who suggested he embark on a tattooing career.
Through international conventions and seminars, Pellerone quickly began to gain credibility as one to watch in the tattoo industry, but it wasn’t until 2016 that he was introduced to the contemporary art world. His unprecedented work caught the attention of the curator of the Armenian Pavilion, Professor Giorgio Grasso, who invited him to exhibit at the 57th Venice Biennale. He inaugurated his first solo exhibition in Bologna in early 2018.
Pellerone uses special needles, made of surgical steel, to perforate the synthetic leather and inject his pigments; preferring monochrome compositions to color. The latter is reserved for highlighting specific details in his work, which he encourages viewers to touch when on exhibition. Pellerone also produces sculptures, and recently developed a faux-leather handbag collection. The limited-edition run, featuring Pellerone’s unique tattoo designs, will begin January 2019.
www.gabrielepellerone.com
www.Agora-Gallery.com/ArtistPage/Gabriele_Pellerone.aspx