Interview
Adam Keringer
Adam has been creating tattoos since 2016. He is constantly looking for opportunities to work on the most diverse projects possible. A tattoo for him is a set of forms, shapes, and relationships.
Adam finds it important that the given graphics remain consistent in all circumstances. Each image has its own set of rules. Nothing can be there ‘just like that’, without a purpose.
When he’s given a free hand by his clients during the design stage, Adam strives for minimalism, using just the necessary amount of objects, and shapes to convey the message. So, the goal is to say as much as possible about a given graphic, with as few visual tools as possible.
What is your background and how did you start your journey in the art world?
“I was always interested in drawing. I was the typical guy, sitting in the back row of the classroom and sketching all day. As a child, I always got excited when I went into an art shop. I still am. I like to see and touch different materials. The feel of paper and the smell of paint is fascinating to me. I eventually started studying graphic design and got to know more about the different mediums. To experiment became the most important thing to me.”
What inspires you most?
“I try to see the world as it is, and get inspiration from everything. When I’m in the city, there is so much going on, so much influence that affects me such as architecture, shops, commercials, street art, people, smells, and so much more. I try to store them all. Then when out in nature, everything just becomes clear and true. This balance inspires me.”
What themes do you pursue? Is there an underlying message in your work?
“Some of my pieces have a message, while others are just for aesthetics. In my perception, the tattoo doesn’t need to have an exact meaning. When you see it as a decoration on your body and it makes you feel good, makes you feel comfortable, and that means everything.”
“I sometimes try out new methods of implementation besides my full-time job as a tattoo artist.
Six years ago when I started out, tattooing completely captivated me. Since then, I’m constantly trying to go deeper and deeper into tattoo art.”
How would you describe your work?
“I like to mix styles and themes. When I can work freely without any expectations, the end result always has geometric elements, as well as being realistic. Also, I like to add effects that make it look like it was a wall painting, stencil-like, ink dripping and scratched down; generally a trashy feel.”
Which artists influence you most?
“I always appreciate the old dadaist and productivist artists. Stencil artists like Shepard Fairey had a huge influence on me when I was younger. Also, contemporary artists like Eliran Kantor, Nick Alm, and many more. Tattoo artists have had their influence on my work as well.”
What is your creative process like?
“As I’m a huge music fan, I listen to music all day long. But when I sit down to create something, I need silence. Once I turn the music down and sit in my chair, the ideas start coming.”
What is an artist’s role in society and how do you see that evolving?
“The role of art has always been to shed light on problems and put a curved mirror in front of people. So art should always follow the current topics, snatch it out, and illuminate the breaking points.”
Have you had any noteworthy exhibitions you'd like to share?
“The last expo I participated in was the International Brussels Tattoo Convention. The next one will be the International Brugge Tattoo Convention.”
Website: www.adamkeringer-create.com
Instagram: @adam_keringer_tattoo
