Tsuktiben Jamir
In an unconventional fusion of highbrow and lowbrow art, renowned Dutch tattoo artist Henk Schiffmacher, affectionately known as “Hanky Panky,” is leading a unique residency at the Rembrandt House Museum in Amsterdam. The exhibition, aptly titled “A Poor Man’s Rembrandt,” showcases the collaboration between the museum and Schiffmacher & Veldhoen, a well-known Amsterdam tattoo shop co-owned by Schiffmacher. By tattooing pieces inspired by the works of the legendary 17th-century Dutch painter Rembrandt van Rijn, Schiffmacher aims to bridge the gap between art and tattoo enthusiasts, making museums more accessible to a broader audience.
From 19th-25th June 2023, Schiffmacher and his tattoo shop associates will be hard at work within the museum,, offering visitors the chance to get a permanent piece of Rembrandt-inspired art on their skin.
The idea behind “A Poor Man’s Rembrandt” illustrates the unique appeal of combining two seemingly disparate realms. According to Schiffmacher, the partnership offers a chance for those who might not frequently visit museums to interact with art in a way that speaks to their interests. He emphasises how their rendition of Rembrandt’s artwork gives a distinctive touch by telling CBC, “The good thing about our Rembrandt is you could take your Rembrandt to the beach.”
Courtesy: Mark Bolk/Schiffmacher & Veldhoen/Facebook.
The exhibition includes several of Rembrandt’s etchings and sketches, in addition to unique tattoo designs that were all inspired by the Dutch master. Although it may appear simple to translate Rembrandt’s sketches into tattoos, Schiffmacher admits the difficulty in adjusting the intricate nature of the artist’s etchings. Schiffmacher compares both methods, noting that Rembrandt’s etchings and tattooing use a single needle, with the subject’s skin acting as the “etch plate.” This intriguing link between the two types of art-making raises Rembrandt’s artistry to a new level of appreciation.
Rembrandt, his helpers, and his students worked together at the Rembrandt House Museum, serving as his residence and workshop. “You can even smell Rembrandt a little bit. His soul is still in the building,” says Schiffmacher. This attitude highlights the strong bond that Schiffmacher and his fellow tattoo artists have with the iconic site.
Schiffmacher hopes to combat the idea that tattoos are only body art and raise them to the status of a kind of acquiring great art by inviting tattoo aficionados inside the museum. The cost of the tattoos ranges from €100 to €250 ($145.85 to $364.63), but they offer art fans an affordable way to own a piece of Rembrandt’s legacy.
Throughout his 45-year career, Schiffmacher, often known as “the Amsterdam tattoo king,” has observed the rise in popularity of tattoos. The streets of Amsterdam are filled with individuals proudly displaying his inked works, and to him, the entire city is a thriving gallery. He says, “I am a part of Amsterdam,” as he fondly remembers the summer days when he could see people wearing his artwork.
Courtesy: Museum Rembrandthuis.
There has been much interest in the transformational residence at the Rembrandt House Museum. Milou Halbesma, the museum director, believes this strategy would draw in more visitors and help them develop a stronger bond with the artists. Further evidence of the public’s interest in this creative partnership can be seen in the high demand for tattoo appointments filled online in less than 10 minutes.
With the fusion of high and body art, museum visitors may now get Rembrandt-inspired tattoos. The workshop provides a singular contrast that integrates several artistic mediums, bringing the audience closer to Rembrandt’s brilliance. “It’s a juxtaposition — a jump from high to low, from highbrow to lowbrow. Moreover, it is great that these two worlds can visit one another. It’s one world because it is about art,” said Schiffmacher.
The resonance between Rembrandt’s sketches and the tattoo artists’ work is undeniable. Despite the difficulties that the tattoo artist’s canvas may bring, such as mobility and changing skin conditions, this collaboration, without a doubt, has successfully fused the artistic tradition of the past with the dynamic present. The Rembrandt House Museum is given new life by merging Rembrandt’s creative legacy with modern tattooing. The residency promotes a diverse and active understanding of art by allowing guests to wear Rembrandt’s artwork on their bodies. History, creativity, and the human canvas come together fascinatingly thanks to Schiffmacher and his gifted associates.
