In commemoration of the vibrant Diyandi Festival sa Iligan 2023, the Mindanao Association of Tattoo Artists hosted a thrilling two-day event known as the “12th Lapok Iligan Tattoo Festival 2023.” The festival unfolded on September 14 and 15, 2023, at the bustling Robinsons Place Iligan, bringing together tattoo enthusiasts and artists from across the region.
Day 1: Battle of Black and Grey and Script Tattoos
The first day of the festival featured intense competitions in two categories:
Team Division Black and Grey: Tattoo artists showcased their mastery of monochromatic artistry, crafting intricate designs in shades of black and grey. The judging criteria included creativity, shading techniques, and overall aesthetics.
Script Tattoo Open Division: In this division, artists demonstrated their calligraphy skills by etching meaningful words and phrases onto their canvases. The theme for this category was “Neotraditional Tattoo,” challenging artists to blend modern and traditional tattoo styles seamlessly.
Tensions ran high as participants vied for recognition and glory in these categories, pushing their artistic boundaries to the limit.
Day 2: A Kaleidoscope of Colors and Fusion Tattoos
The second day of the festival promised even more excitement and innovation in the world of tattoo artistry:
Team Division Colored Realism and Tribal: Artists took center stage to showcase their mastery of vibrant colors and intricate tribal designs. The competition was fierce as they worked diligently to impress the judges with their impeccable precision and attention to detail.
Uprising Division: This division was the pinnacle of creative expression, with the theme being “Fusion Tattoo.” Tattoo artists pushed the envelope by fusing various styles, themes, and cultural elements into their designs, resulting in awe-inspiring and boundary-pushing works of art.
As the festival unfolded, spectators marveled at the exceptional talent and dedication of the tattoo artists, who turned skin into canvases for their artistic expressions. The atmosphere buzzed with excitement, and the judging panel faced the challenging task of selecting winners among a pool of immensely talented participants.
The 12th Lapok Iligan Tattoo Festival 2023 was a testament to the thriving tattoo culture in Mindanao, bringing together artists and enthusiasts to celebrate the art of tattooing. With each stroke of ink, the festival showcased the rich tapestry of creativity and skill within the tattoo community.
As the sun set on the final day of the festival, winners were crowned, and the echoes of tattoo machines slowly faded, leaving behind a lasting impression of the remarkable artistic spirit that defines the Lapok Iligan Tattoo Festival.
