From the southern reaches of Russia to the global stage, Denis Torikashvili, known as Tidan, has carved a remarkable path in the world of tattooing. His journey, beginning in Rostov-on-Don in 1997, is a testament to dedication, evolution, and a relentless pursuit of artistic excellence, particularly in the realm of Black And Grey Tattoos.
In a time when tattoo information was scarce in Russia, Tidan embarked on his tattooing career, acquiring his first Micky Sharpz machine. Driven by a thirst for knowledge, he immersed himself in sketching and sought out emerging online tattoo communities and forums. This foundational period was crucial, setting the stage for his participation in the St. Petersburg Tattoo Convention in 2005. Recognition followed swiftly, with Tidan securing his first award in 2006 for ‘Best of the Day Tattoo’ – a black and grey portrait, foreshadowing his future specialization.
Working across various studios in Rostov and eventually opening his own, Tidan honed his skills in a diverse range of styles. He demonstrated proficiency in Japanese tattoos, ornamental designs, American traditional, and realism. While respecting traditional styles, he felt a pull towards deeper stylistic exploration. A significant shift occurred in 2014 when Tidan relocated to Moscow, marking a new chapter of experimentation and artistic reinvention. He began creating collages and pushing the boundaries of his creative vision on skin.
A turning point arrived with a unique Sackboy tattoo, inspired by the PlayStation game “Little Big Planet.” This whimsical and endearing character resonated widely, becoming incredibly popular and revealing Tidan’s knack for creating distinctive and engaging designs. This success illuminated a path, and by 2016, Tidan focused his artistic lens sharply on black and grey tattoos.
Tidan’s expertise in black and grey realism and portraiture gained international recognition, leading to numerous guest artist opportunities and appearances at prestigious tattoo conventions worldwide. These global engagements resulted in further accolades, solidifying his reputation as a sought-after black and grey tattoo artist. Since 2019, Tidan has been a resident artist at the esteemed Vatican Studios in Lake Forest, California, continuing to push the boundaries of black and grey tattoo artistry and share his unique vision with a global clientele. His journey embodies the evolution of a dedicated artist mastering the nuanced and powerful art of black and grey tattoos.
