Beyond ink: The 1st Stonewall Tattoo Convention brought talent and thrills to Hódmezővásárhely │ Szegedify

Tattoo artists and fans celebrated a new era of Hungarian tattoo culture over 2 days of artistic expression, community spirit, and creative inspiration

The 1st Stonewall Tattoo Convention, the first-ever tattoo expo held in Hungary’s Southern Great Plain region, wrapped up on a high note, leaving both artists and visitors impressed. This two-day event took place over the last weekend of October at the picturesque Feketesas Event House in Hódmezővásárhely – about 20 km from Szeged – attracting a remarkable lineup of ninety tattoo artists, including some of the most influential figures in the Hungarian tattoo industry.

Unusual for a tattoo expo, the first-ever tattoo convention in Hódmezővásárhely welcomed a diverse crowd spanning all age groups and backgrounds. The opening day saw an overwhelming number of attendees, with the crowd so dense it was nearly impossible to navigate through the aisles at times. This intense energy created a buzzing atmosphere on Saturday, drawing in tattoo enthusiasts, curious locals, and families alike. After the excitement and packed turnout of the first day, Sunday took on a more relaxed, family-friendly vibe, allowing for easier navigation and a more laid-back atmosphere. Artists who were interviewed expressed surprise and satisfaction at the level of interest and organization, with many commenting that the event exceeded their expectations. They praised the organizer, Tamás ‘Tinti’ Jószai, a tattoo artist based in Hódmezővásárhely, for his dedication and meticulous planning.

The 1st Stonewall Tattoo Convention went beyond tattoos by providing a range of diverse activities for visitors. Outdoor entertainment was particularly engaging, featuring free programs like thrilling trial bike stunts, vintage car displays for classic car enthusiasts, a fire juggling performance, and live graffiti art that added a street-art vibe and drew in passers-by. Indoors, the convention featured entertainment for all tastes and age groups. From a children’s face painting and intricate henna painting station to therapeutic massages, there was something for everyone. For the bold and the curious, the convention also featured age-restricted events, including suspension piercing shows—a spectacle definitely not for the faint-hearted.

Tattoo artists from Szeged and other nearby cities, as well as those who traveled from Budapest and other regions, remarked that the event was a refreshing and much-needed gathering for Hungary’s tattoo community. Many artists emphasized how important events like these are for both established and emerging artists, helping to build connections, inspire creativity, and elevate the industry as a whole.

The team from Perfect Chaos Tattoo, a renowned studio based in Budapest, referred to the 1st Stonewall Tattoo Con as a “European-level event.” Having attended various international tattoo expos, they were pleasantly surprised to find an event of this caliber in Hódmezővásárhely, noting that not all Hungarian tattoo conventions reach such high standards. "The organization is outstanding, and the venue is stunning. Everything about this event has been professional and beyond our expectations. We were especially impressed by how responsive the organizers were to the needs of the tattoo artists. We’re already looking forward to next year; we know the dates and sincerely hope Tinti invites us back."

For Dávid Hugyik, a tattoo artist from Hódmezővásárhely now working at Barb’art Tattoo in Kecskemét, the 2024 Stonewall Tattoo Con marked a special milestone—it was his first experience exhibiting at a tattoo expo. Hugyik spent both days immersed in the convention, observing and connecting with other artists, and he was thoroughly impressed with the event’s standards, both in the quality of participating artists and the smooth organization. "Everything was incredibly well-organized, and all the needs of the tattooers were met," he shared. "Saturday was bustling with visitors, while Sunday had a more chill, relaxed vibe, which was a nice change of pace."

At the end of the second day, Szeged-based tattoo artist Éva Szolnoki took a moment to reflect on the experience. "I’ve lived and worked in Kecskemét, Budapest, and London, so I’ve attended expos abroad and have a solid point of reference. I’m very happy that this tattoo convention was organized here in the Southern Great Plain region. I’ve met many tattoo artists from nearby regions and even a few who traveled from as far as Győr and even Poland. This location offers a fantastic opportunity for tattooists from other regions and even across borders to connect. The venue itself is beautiful, and I’m amazed by how well Tinti has organized everything. The catering for tattoo artists was especially thoughtful, making it easy to stay energized through the long days. I also think the event’s extra activities, like face painting for kids, added a special touch you don’t always see at tattoo expos. I really appreciated the clear rules for competitions, such as requirements around whether entries could feature healed or fresh tattoos. And the tattoo quality has been exceptional. They did a fantastic job of selecting artists with strong reputations—I follow many of them on social media, and it was great to finally meet them in person."

Reflecting on the event’s larger purpose, Tinti, the organizer, shared his thoughts on Hungary’s position within the tattoo industry. While Hungary was once recognized as a leader in European tattoo artistry, other countries, such as Poland, Ukraine, and Romania, have since taken the lead. Despite this, Tinti emphasized that the quality of Hungarian tattoo artists remains high, though they often lack the visibility and publicity needed to reach a wider audience. One of Tinti’s goals for the Stonewall Tattoo Convention was to highlight and celebrate the skill of local tattooists, encouraging them to strive for higher standards and helping foster a renewed appreciation for quality and creativity in Hungarian tattooing. By showcasing exceptional work and bringing talented artists together, he hopes to inspire both seasoned tattooists and newcomers to reach for a higher level of artistic achievement. In Tinti’s vision, events like these can support the growth of the Hungarian tattoo industry, inspiring young artists to take pride in their craft and contribute to a new era of artistry.