Denis Torikashvili, also known as Tidan, hails from Rostov-on-Don in Southern Russia, a region where his tattoo journey began in 1997. In a time when tattoo information was scarce, Denis navigated challenging conditions to pursue his passion for ink art. He started his professional career with a Micky Sharpz machine and a relentless drive to learn and develop his skills in the tattoo world.
In the nascent days of online tattoo communities, Denis actively sought knowledge and honed his craft through sketching and early internet forums. His dedication led him to the St. Petersburg tattoo convention, where he first participated in 2005 and achieved his first award in 2006 – “Best of the Day” for a compelling black and gray portrait. This early success marked a significant milestone in his artistic development.
Throughout his career in Rostov, Denis expanded his repertoire, working in various tattoo styles within local shops and eventually opening his own studio. While he demonstrated proficiency in Japanese, ornamental, American traditional, and realism tattoos, he always held traditional styles in high regard, acknowledging the deep cultural understanding and immersion they require. However, a pivotal shift occurred in 2014 when Denis decided to relocate to Moscow, marking a new chapter in his artistic exploration.
Starting anew in Moscow, Denis embraced experimentation, creating collages and translating his unique visions onto skin. A turning point came with a Sackboy tattoo, inspired by the “Little Big Planet” PlayStation game. This playful and distinctive tattoo gained considerable popularity, revealing Denis’s signature style: funny, endearing characters. He explored this style extensively, creating numerous fun and engaging tattoos. By 2016, Denis channeled his artistic focus towards the timeless elegance and powerful impact of black and grey tattoos, solidifying his specialization.
Denis’s career has been enriched by extensive travels as a guest artist and participation in numerous tattoo conventions, where he has been recognized with multiple awards. Since 2019, he has been a resident artist at the prestigious Vatican Studios in Lake Forest, California, further establishing his international presence and reputation as a master of Black Tattoos and beyond.
