New York, as always, has become the epicenter of the tattoo world. From May 22 to 24, 2026, the grand event – NY Empire State Tattoo Expo – unfolded at Hilton Midtown. Despite flight delays due to a thunderstorm and flooding on May 20, we made it to the opening. The venue was an ideal contrast: a business district surrounded by skyscrapers, yet a stone’s throw from Radio City Music Hall, Times Square, Grand Central, and MoMA. This is not just a show – it’s a cultural phenomenon where art meets urban energy.
Stars Who Didn’t Tattoo, But Created the Atmosphere
The main sponsor was Freshly Inked. Stefano Alcantara, Megan Massacre, and Yomico Moreno appeared on stage – legends whose presence was an event in itself. They didn’t work with machines but met guests, curated the program, and set the tone for the entire event. Their participation is a mark of quality, as such names attract not only fans but also professionals from all over the world.
Top Artists and Their Works: From Black Eagles to Japanese Backpieces
The focus was on Undulmood, whose work with a black eagle and ornamentation became a hit. The client, an American living in Scotland, flew specifically for this artist. His journey is a symbol of how tattoo culture breaks down borders. We also met Shiryu and Undulmood for interviews and documented the process of Sumok completing a work on a client’s leg. Sumok didn’t have a sign, but his style – clean, detailed, with elements of traditional and modern – immediately caught the eye. In the end, he received “Best Day” and three other NY Empire awards.
Other notable works:
- Chungyu Seong – healed Japanese-style backpieces, where every line tells a story.
- Fernando Franco – a vibrant thigh tattoo with “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles,” combining pop culture and high technique.
- Adam Cadena-Lopez – a massive black and white project that he worked on to the applause of the audience, turning the process into a performance.
- Gianluca Francione (Seppe) from Italy – a backpiece in the engraving style, where every stroke resembles an old engraving.
Three Floors – Three Different Worlds
Each floor of the hotel felt like a separate show. The first was more commercial, with bright, realistic works. The second was experimental, with an emphasis on style and concept. The third was intimate, where artists worked in silence, and viewers watched as if in a theater. This structure allowed everyone to find their niche: from beginners to tattoo collectors.
Acknowledgements and Future Plans
The organizers Marco, Tim, AD, and the entire NY Empire team created an atmosphere where everyone felt part of the community. We are already looking forward to the September Golden State Expo and the October Longhorn State Tattoo Expo. The tattoo industry is growing, and events like these are not just exhibitions, but platforms for dialogue, exchange of ideas, and inspiration.
A tattoo is not just a drawing on the skin. It’s a story, a style, a belonging. NY Empire Tattoo Expo 2026 showed that even in the digital age, live interaction, craftsmanship, and passion remain the core values.