Is being inked still a taboo in Egyptian society?
BY HABIBA HANY & HANA ISKANDER
@ITSHABIBA @HANAISKANDER92
![A brave soul goes under the ink [Habiba Hany]](http://www.auccaravan.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/tatts-e1448147921957.jpg)
Although Egypt’s tattoo scene has evolved in recent years, the idea of getting inked remains largely a taboo in the country.
The second Cairo Tattoo Convention brought together well-renowned international tattoo artists at Maadi’s Tipsy Teapot earlier this month to promote the art, and change the misconceptions surrounding it.
The low buzz of the ink-filled needles blended in with the deep sounds of Dubstep and R&B in darkly lit rooms filled with exotically drawn posters and bodies.
This was the second event of its kind this year, but the first one featured a small number of local artists to expose them to industry insiders.
Sixteen artists from all around the globe had designated spaces to showcase their albums and notebooks filled with creative flare. Their work ranged from abstract art to traditional pieces reflecting each individual’s background.
“When it came time to choosing our artists, we had to be diverse,” said photojournalist and co-organizer Ines Della Vella. Orne Gil, owner of Nowhereland Tattoo Studio in Zamalek and one of the organizers, said that organizing the event took a lot of time and effort, as she and Della Vella gathered over 60 volunteers to pull it off.
Gil also told The Caravan that the tattoo industry has been on the rise in Egypt in recent years.
“The first person to get a tattoo was actually Egyptian. I was surprised to see this many Egyptians participating, but it turned out better than we thought,” said Gil.
“I can tell you that 25 years ago, Italy was the same as Egypt now, and [now] in Italy, everyone has tattoos,” Andre Andrea Guerra, a 44-year-old Italian tattoo artist, told The Caravan.
Hany Morgan, 35, said he was satisfied with the tattoo he got at the event and told The Caravan, “[Some people] in Egypt are very ‘with’ the idea of getting a tattoo but are not brave enough to do it.”
Dunya Al-Hayani, psychology junior and attendee, told The Caravan that she changed her mind about getting a tattoo at the very last minute.
“I’m really happy, because all the people that came are into the art; actually I was expecting more kids around, but the turnout was really good,” said Gil
“Next year, I don’t know if I will do a convention or not, but if I do, maybe I will have 20 to 50 artists,” she added
