4 – 6 June 2010
REVIEW BY ALEX VAN DUTCH
For centuries, Amsterdam has stood as one of Europe’s great trade ports—a city deeply connected to the sea, sailors, and, naturally, tattoos. While a number of tattoo conventions took place here during the 1980s and 1990s, these gatherings came to an end after the final edition in 1996, still organized by Henk Schiffmacher.
Surprisingly, it wasn’t until 2004 that Amsterdam re-established itself on the global tattoo convention map. From that point on, the RAI Exhibition Center—a vast trade fair complex on the edge of the city—became the home of this new era.
The modern Amsterdam Tattoo Convention has taken place annually ever since, with the exception of 2009. Having attended every edition since 2005 (and even getting my favorite pin-up tattooed by Jo Harrison back in 2007), I was especially curious to experience the 2010 edition—this time organized by a new team: the Amsterdam Tat2 Crew.
Over the years, the convention has continuously evolved, with each edition carrying its own distinct atmosphere. This year, it took a little while for the energy to fully click—but after settling in (and a couple of beers), the true essence of the 2010 edition started to reveal itself.
One of the defining elements this year was its strong “Dutch” theme. From the official poster to the merchandise—and even the event hostesses—the influence of traditional Delft Blue design was unmistakable, reimagined through a tattoo lens. The result was both creative and authentic: a thoughtful fusion of Dutch artistic heritage and the long-standing tattoo culture that Amsterdam represents.
Showcasing about 140 Tattoo Artists, a standout highlight was the tribute to Dutch tattoo pioneers, presented in a dedicated section titled “The Golden Oldies.”
Legendary artists such as Eus, Ronald Bonkerk, Dick de Wit, Ron Rijks, Bart van den Brink, Karel van Duinen, and the godfather himself, Willem Meyes, were honored for their role in shaping modern Dutch tattooing. For visitors, the opportunity to be tattooed by these icons made the experience truly exceptional.
Beyond the local legends, the convention also welcomed an impressive lineup of international artists. Names like Brandon Bond (All or Nothing Tattoo), Jose Lopez (Lowrider Tattoo), and Dan Gold—then gaining widespread recognition through the TV show London Ink—added to the event’s global appeal. Dan Gold also served as part of the judging panel.
Among the artists, Jose Lopez stood out with his exceptional black-and-grey realism and Chicano style. His influence was visible not only in his own work but also across his crew—making it impossible not to stop and admire the level of detail and craftsmanship on display.
Another artist drawing significant attention was George Mavridis from Tattooligans. His vibrant, highly detailed realism stood out instantly, with several attendees proudly wearing his unmistakable work. A Japanese-inspired backpiece by Miquel Angel Bohiques (V-Tattoo) was another memorable highlight.
The event also featured strong representation from established European studios, including Gerrit from Tattoomania, the teams from Needle Art (Breda) and Dragon Tattoo, as well as rising talent like Rick from Veni Vidi Vici—an artist consistently delivering high-quality work across the convention circuit.
Overall, the organizers delivered a solid and well-executed event. The 2010 edition further cemented Amsterdam’s position as one of Europe’s key tattoo convention destinations—although it’s clear the city still holds even greater potential for growth.
After this year’s distinctive thematic direction, it will be interesting to see how the event evolves in future editions. In the meantime, be sure to explore our photo gallery—and share your own experience with us.
Leave A Comment