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SARKOZI ZSOLT
THE DARK ART OF HUNGARY
By Sylvia Hagar
Photos courtesy of Sarkozi Zsolt
From the March 2008 issue of PRICK Magazine
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 The Dark Art crew |
 Tattoo by Sarkozi Zsolt |
 Sarkozi Zsolt at work |
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When you think of Hungary, getting tattooed might not be the first thing
that pops into your head. Hungary, which borders Austria and Romania
(amongst others), does not only have (along with Budapest) one of the
most beautiful capitals of the world, but is also home to a variety of amazing
artists. Sarkozi Zsolt is a passionate tattoo artist who's been tattooing for over
fourteen years. Many years ago, during his first visit to a tattoo studio, Zsolt
remembers how greatly inspired he was by the atmosphere and knew immediately
that tattoos were so much more than just images on skin. Instead of getting
tattooed that day, the idea started to grow on him that being a tattoo artist is
what he wanted to do for a living. Starting out as literally a starving artist — a hungry
Hungarian — Zsolt has meanwhile grown into a successful and respected
business man.
Who are some of your major
influences?
The first and most important was a
Hungarian tattoo artist named Kupcsik
Adrian. When I thought I could tattoo, I
met him and realized I didn’t know anytthing.
We talked a lot, became friends,
and he said things that, at first, I didn’t
understand. When I started tattooing,
about fourteen years ago, here in
Hungary there was no culture or past of
tattooing. We hardly even saw tattoo
magazines, and if we did, it was like reading
the bible. I really love Marcus
Pacheco's work. Marcus showed me through his work how something
becomes art. From this point on I started focusing on the tattoo artists
around the world, for example, Guy Aitchison's visions and Kari Barba's
freedom and diversity. Kupcsik Adrian once said that if you want to do
something new, then forget about getting inspiration from tattoos. I
accepted his advice but only partially. When you see something that's
new to you, like Guy Aitchinson’s organic biomechanics or Aron Cain's
work, you start to copy it at the beginning to undertsand it, but then
you realize that it’s their world and not yours. I feel like how different
things inspire me, like music, films, art, etc. It's like being a filter.
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How would you describe your style?
I don’t think I have my own style. Probably something is starting to form,
but I still don’t know which style is my own. I am self taught.The mystery
of tattooing was what got me, and I didn’t start out with doing a
lot of drawing that eventually got me to tattooing. I’ve tried to serve
every request, and through the years I've gained experience to switch
between styles. By now I know what I won’t do, and what I do is for my
own joy. I never want to feel like tattooing is work. I like tattoos with
meaning and thought, big images that require planning, that show the
world of the customer through my vision. It doesn't work any other way.
My style is like a chameleon, my ability to adapt is where my ability of creation
lies.
How do you feel about the current state of tattooing?
We take part in forming the taste of the people. I think tattooing has
become a form of art.There are more and more talented artists, and lots
of them come from different backgrounds in art. They create styles
which are followed by many other tattoo artists. There will always be
newer and newer generations of tattoo artist who inherit the styles of
the previous, add to it, and pass it on. I like to be a part of the tattoo renaissance,
and am excited to see the summer after the bloom. I can’t give
an exact answer, because we have to differenciate tattooist and tattoo
artist. Yes, tattooing is a real artform, which has rightfully cut out a piece
from the the cake.
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Do you think it is important for a tattoo artist to have an
artistic history or formal art training?
I have to yes, but at the same time say no. I don't do a lot of paintings,
but would like to eventually when I retire. It is very useful if someone has
basic knowledge of formal art, has the skill of drawing, and vision, but this
is much more complex than most people think. In many cases, school ties
up talent. You know, it is very important that it's not the style nor the
knowledge that proves you, it's you that proves it all. From this point of
view, it really doesn’t matter if you are educated or not.
What is your favorite part about being a tattoo artist?
I like it as a whole. I get to meet many people, and I live from it well. I can
create, give joy, do something important, and people respect my work.
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What do you like to do outside of tattooing?
Spend time with family and friends.
Any future plans?
I have many, but it would take too long to list everything. Mostly just
getting better and better.
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