15 Surprising Abstract Tattoos

Art is composed of many different styles and so is tattoo art. Abstract tattoos are naturally the inked counterpart of abstract art.

Abstract art was created at the beginning of the 20th century. It is mostly nonfigurative art, using bold colors or designs in an attempt to capture beauty without recognizable meaning but only the sensibility of the beholder. Great names of abstract art are precursor cubist painter Picasso, Piet Mondrian, Wassily Kandinsky, Robert and Sonia Delaunay and Joan Miró. Their works are indeed a source of inspiration for abstract tattoo artists, who are part of this generation of tattooists coming from Art Schools. These avant-garde tattoo artists experimenting with graphic, watercolor and non traditional tattoo, are creating their own contemporary section inside tattoo art.

Purists and traditional tattoo art lovers would call abstract tattoos a waste of ink, but they are making their own place in the future of tattoo art, closely linked to other artistic movements as well as fashion. As tattoos are becoming the ultimate fashion accessory, colorful and edgy designs are the new hot trend in upscale worlds. Their goal is to focus on the artistic process and the nearly spiritual link between body and art, instead on meanings and designs that can be copied by others. Unique, bold and surprising, they may not rock your boat. But if you are open-minded and curious, take a closer look at these gripping abstract tattoos...

Jay Freestyle is one of the popular names of this new trend.


Shoulder tattoo by Amanda Leadman.


Amanda Wachob is well known for her bold brush-strokes abstract tattoos.


Another tattoo by Amanda Wachob inspired by abstract paintings.


Abstract tattoos are bold in their style but also in their placement: some artists like Grisha Maslov are using the whole body of their clients.


Another stunning piece by Grisha Maslov.


By Grisha Maslov too.


Abstract art is often found in the portfolio of European avant-garde artists such as Klaim of Street Tattoos.


Abstract tattoos are imitating painting and indeed the trendy waterclor effects. Here, work by Ondrash.


A more figurative abstract tattoo by Ondrash.


Indeed, abstract tattoo artists are creating their own designs but they can also pick inspiration from museums. Here a piece by Pain Ting inspired by Le Corbusier with a Fibonacci spiral.


Lovely side piece by Peter Aurisch.


Tattoo by Seb Inkme.


Abstract dotwork by Sky L'art du point.


Abstract tattoos are very coveted in edgy fashion magazines as the new stylish accessory. But perhaps, not for life! Here, painter Agnes Cecile created this temporary tattoo for brand Dottinghill.