Stars Align in Surreal Blackwork Tattoos Inspired by Space Travel and Fine Art

A post shared by NIK SQUARE (@nik.square) on

Artist Nik Square’s black and white tattoos display dazzling designs that combine nature-inspired motifs with elements of the cosmos. Stars, planets, and constellations collide with animals, plant life, and artifacts from human civilization. In one mystical tattoo, a ringed planet crashes into the head of an classical Renaissance statue; in another, the mirrored visor of a lost astronaut helmet reflects a swirling astral sky. Square’s work seems to serve as a reminder that the universe is greater than all of us.

Having been tattooing for just over a year, the Buenos Aires-based tattoo artist mainly uses black ink for super-fine lines and intricate dot work. Square then utilizes white ink to accentuate the bright celestial objects, set against the blackness of outer space. With no official training, Square is testament to the fact that with enough skill and determination, today’s world allows you to be anything you want to be. “With no mentor, no apprenticeship, it wasn't an easy ride at all,” the tattooist recalls,“but with pure commitment and hard work, here I am, doing what I love.”

If you can’t make it to Argentina for a tattoo, you can still stargaze at Square’s work via Instagram.

Tattoo artist Nik Square illustrates surreal, astral scenes that combine outer space motifs with artifacts of human civilization.

A post shared by NIK SQUARE (@nik.square) on

A post shared by NIK SQUARE (@nik.square) on

A post shared by NIK SQUARE (@nik.square) on

A post shared by NIK SQUARE (@nik.square) on

A post shared by NIK SQUARE (@nik.square) on

Nik Square: Instagram
h/t: [Illusion]

All images via Nik Square.

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Emma Taggart

Emma Taggart is a Contributing Writer at My Modern Met. Originally from Northern Ireland, she is an artist now based in Berlin. After graduating with a BA in Fashion and Textile Design in 2013, Emma decided to combine her love of art with her passion for writing. Emma has contributed to various art and culture publications, with an aim to promote and share the work of inspiring modern creatives. While she writes every day, she’s also devoted to her own creative outlet—Emma hand-draws illustrations and is currently learning 2D animation.
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