Indian Motorcycle has unveiled the second of three unique tattoo inspired designs, created by three iconic featured tattoo artists – Mayonaize, Shige and Carlos Torres – whose Indian Chief-based works of art will each be revealed in high-resolution computer-generated imagery over the next three months.
Hailing from Yokohama, Japan, Shige practices the art of tattooing from his private studio ‘Yellow Blaze’ where he has refined his style over the past 24 years, interpreting traditional Japanese-themed body art with his own unique twist.
Shige perfected his highly technical artistic skills in the mid-’90s while working as a motorcycle mechanic by day and tattooing at night, that passion for American motorcycles translated into his choice of design for the Indian Motorcycle Chief.
Talking with Indian’s Ola Stenegärd, Shige explained his design:
Ola Stenegärd: “I first came in contact with Japanese custom bike culture back in the 90’s, the more I learned about Japanese culture, I started seeing parallels in the culture of craftsmanship. Everything from custom bikes to the Japanese art of tattooing. What is the story of the design?”
Shige: “I picked the ‘Oni demon with storm of falling cherry blossoms’ design. My understanding of tattooing is different from what the majority thinks – who understand it mainly as decoration. The reason for the placement of an Oni-demon tattooed on the belly means you have Oni-demon in the center of the body and heart, this translates to the motorcycle fuel tank. The Oni-demon stands for strong will and protection; Oni is a demon, but its meaning is not evil. It wards off bad luck and protects you from evil. Having Oni-demon tattooed on the belly shows one’s determination to live in this harsh world with a strong heart. The Japanese language is full of mystery, and it is believed that the stomach contains the entire human heart”
“A tattoo has to be beautiful as the body moves. The cherry blossoms have to be perfectly composed as they are there to balance the Oni-demon, together with the deep meaning of the flower. Cherry Blossoms means ‘the pathos of things’. This image of ‘a sensitivity to ephemera’ can also be related to the motorbike – or even one’s life. That’s the reason why I chose this image. Showing the Indian Motorcycle Chief and the dramatic depth of life itself. It is not just about looks. I desire to put emotional drama into the design of this motorbike. And the Oni-demon does create this drama”
Shige’s design will be applied to a real Indian Chief later this year and revealed in the metal at a VIP event in London in Spring 2022, alongside designs from artists Mayonaize and Carlos Torres. Forty more of the world’s leading tattoo artists will all compete to have their Indian Motorcycle Chief designs made a reality in steel and paint later this Autumn by public vote.
Win Your Dream Tattoo
Alongside the three ‘Art-Bikes’ designed by the three featured artists, Indian Motorcycle and No Regrets are offering the chance for riders to win a dream tattoo.
By registering for a test ride online riders could win a tattoo of their choice, in a two day studio session compliments of No Regrets & Indian Motorcycle.
For more information about Indian Motorcycle’s Test Ride and Win tattoo competition visit https://link-indian.com/NBX8VG
