Ladies Ladies Art Show 2018 (LLAS) is the fifth installment of this exclusive group art show, featuring tattoo art by some of the most talented female tattooers from NYC and around the world. It is curated by Elvia Iannaccone Gezlev and Martina Secondo Russo

The event was born as a platform to show the diversity of art in the feminine universe of professional tattooing. The tattoo scene has historically been a male-dominated playground, but in the last 30 years or so the number of women in the tattooing industry has grown exponentially. Tattooing itself has gone from being a subcultural practice to a widespread sociocultural phenomenon. As the number of people getting tattooed has grown, so has the massive presence of many talented women choosing tattooing as their professional career and their creative voice!


This exhibit brings together female tattoo artists from different parts of the world, with different styles and backgrounds. The artists are carefully chosen to offer a representation of what the contemporary tattoo industry has to offer. It also aims to fill the gap between the old and the new generations of female tattooers, showcasing work from seasoned professionals to newer tattoo artists.

Back in 2010, tattooers missElvia and Emma Griffiths had the idea to create an event to support, unite, and celebrate the women of the tattoo industry—an outlet they felt was lacking at the time. They also wished to pay tribute to the “old timers” who paved the way: the women who started tattooing more than 30 years ago, when a woman tattoo artist was almost unheard of—opening up the doors to a whole new world of possibilities for female artists to come.

This year participating artists include names like Kari Barba, Debra Yarian, Virginia Elwood, Anna Melo, Denise de la Cerda, Dawn Cooke, Rose Whittaker, Lara Scotton, Drew Linden, Jen Carmean, Holly Ellis, Katie Gray, Jackie Dunn Smith, and many more. The work of these women covers different styles and represents the vast universe of art and tattooing, with a particular eye towards the international NYC tattoo scene.

We hope the Ladies Ladies Art Show will continue to inspire all women, tattooers and artists in general and to create a space for them to meet and celebrate each other, together with their fellow male artists—all while keeping the tradition of tattooing alive and kicking! Many of the featured artists will be in attendance at the opening party. Admission is free and open to all ages. Refreshments will be served.


Ladies Ladies Art Show will run from 09/15 – 10/07 at MF Gallery (213 Bond Street, Brooklyn, New York). The opening party is on Saturday, September 15th from 7.00-10.00pm. After the opening night, the show will be accessible by appointment only. Email info@MFgallery.net or call +1 (917) 446-8681 to schedule a visit.

The artwork can also be viewed and purchased online.