Denis Torikashvili, also known as Tidan, is a tattoo artist with a rich history in the industry, beginning his journey in Rostov-on-Don, Russia, in 1997. In a time when tattoo information was scarce, Denis persevered, starting with his first Micky Sharpz machine and a relentless pursuit of knowledge. His early years were marked by sketching and engaging with the nascent online tattoo communities, setting the foundation for a diverse and evolving career.
His dedication led him to the St. Petersburg tattoo convention, where he first participated in 2005 and achieved his first award in 2006 for a black and grey portrait, showcasing his early talent in realistic tattoo art. While working in various tattoo shops and eventually opening his own, Denis explored a range of styles, including Japanese, ornamental, and American traditional. He holds deep respect for traditional styles, acknowledging their cultural depth and the immersion they demand. However, a significant shift occurred in 2014 when he moved to Moscow and embarked on a path of artistic reinvention.
Experimentation became his focus in Moscow, leading to the creation of collages and the pursuit of unique ideas directly on skin. A turning point arrived with a Sackboy tattoo inspired by the Little Big Planet game. Its unexpected popularity helped Denis realize his knack for creating distinctive and appealing character-based tattoos. This phase, characterized by “funny cute characters,” was enjoyable and creatively fulfilling. However, by 2016, Denis transitioned towards a deeper exploration of black and grey tattoos, further honing his skills in realism.
Denis’s expertise in Realistic Tattoos has taken him across the globe as a guest artist, participating in numerous tattoo conventions and earning accolades for his work. Since 2019, he has been a resident artist at Vatican Studios in Lake Forest, CA, a testament to his recognized skill and mastery in the art of realistic tattooing. His journey reflects a continuous evolution, marked by a dedication to pushing artistic boundaries and achieving exceptional realism in his tattoo creations.
