Artist’s Illustrative UV Tattoos Come to Life and Glow Under Blacklight

UV Tattoos by Tukoi Oya

Melbourne-based tattoo artist Tukoi Oya uses colored ultraviolet ink to highlight specific areas of her illustrative designs. This allows viewers to appreciate them in a whole other light…literally.

UV tattoos (also known as blacklight tattoos) are made with inks that glow visibly under an ultraviolet light. Under normal lighting conditions, Oya’s delicate blackwork lines result in an impressive style; however, once exposed to UV light, her works glow vibrantly, elevating them into the extraordinary. Her fluorescent neon palette—comprising a zesty yellow, acid green, toxic pink, brilliant blue and, fiery orange—contrast against fine outlines and dotwork.

The main theme of Oya’s collection takes inspiration from space and nature, and are executed in a hand-drawn style.  Her motifs include patterned planets, held in a puppeteer’s hands, a “UV space jar,” neon snakes, and floral constellations—these ultraviolet tattoos simply radiate personality!

Tukoi Oya uses ultraviolet ink to make her tattoos glow.

A post shared by Tukoi Oya (@_____tukoi_____) on

A post shared by Tukoi Oya (@_____tukoi_____) on

A post shared by Tukoi Oya (@_____tukoi_____) on

Tukoi: Instagram | Facebook
h/t : [Design Taxi]

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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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