Tattoos enable people to tell personal stories through art on their skin. Sometimes these stories depict values and beliefs, sometimes they commemorate a significant life moment or merely an impulse, and sometimes they represent one’s personal identity.

Lewis, aka Black Symmetry, creates tattoos that take on another dimension in the realm of self expression entirely. He creates fully symmetrical geometric bodysuits that transform people from one state of being into another. The precision and thoughtfulness in the way the art interacts with the body are remarkable in itself – however, it is the impact the work has on his clients self-confidence, self-esteem, and revitalized self-perception that is the true story behind each piece.

In this article, we explore Black Symmetry as an artist from his background as an art student and early influences, to his philosophy on tattooing, to his deep intrigue on the human condition.

Learn more about how Black Symmetry's work can transform one's perception of self in our first ever Digital Zine. Simply follow Black Symmetry on Co:Create to receive a free copy.

Background

At 10 years old, Lewis first saw the work of Victor Vasarely – a Hungarian-French artist, who is widely accepted as a "grandfather" and leader of the Op art movement. Op artworks are abstract, often in black and white, creating impressions of movement, hidden images, flashing patterns, or warping.

These early influences are apparent in Black Symmetry’s work across mediums. At the age of seventeen, he did a summer program at the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD), which cemented his love for art and gave him the confidence to pursue it further. Upon arriving back in Europe, he studied graphic design at l’École Cantonale d’Art de Lausanne (ÉCAL), in Switzerland.

Despite studying graphic design for several years, he never pictured himself as a graphic designer. He was dedicated to learning the tools needed to bring his own personal artwork to life which is seen clearly in his current tattoo practice. He learned the software and design tools that would help him create complex patterns and geometric shapes in a more complex way than if done by hand.

Introduction to Tattooing

Black Symmetry was driven to become a tattoo artist not only by his education and love for art, but also by the inspiring tattoo artists around him and the freedom the profession enabled. An entrepreneur at heart, Lewis wanted to work on his own practice while connecting with people to make art together.

The first tattoo he ever gave was to his mother. Prior to honing his craft and even getting heavily tattooed himself, he gave his mom a small tattoo with limited knowledge and less than stellar equipment. Half way through the tattoo he grew frustrated and discouraged only for his mother to urge him to continue, finish the piece and keep practicing.

Tattoo Education

After his studies, he stayed in Switzerland for two years during which he started pursuing tattooing more seriously. Black Symmetry’s education in tattooing was one of osmosis. There were specific artists he looked up to and who helped him make the right decisions, but ultimately, he learned most by sitting in the chair and absorbing as much information as possible while getting heavily tattooed himself. He watched what the artists were doing, how they were doing it, and paid close attention to every detail of their approach.

One artist who tattooed Lewis, who he considers a mentor, even stated that he was obtaining all the right information like a sponge. This mentor went on to say that he didn't really teach Lewis how to tattoo at all – rather Lewis taught himself.

Black Symmetry was able to gather all the information needed to begin a career as a tattoo artist by being in the environment of the studio and observing the work being done around him.

Style and Inspiration

Motivated by his love for geometry and optical art, the choice of working in Dotwork was a natural decision as the technique allowed him to render large geometric pieces on skin. Not only does he prefer the texture produced with Dotwork, but they tend to age better when it comes to geometry.

Black Symmetry has built a reputation for his meticulous approach to tattoos that use the entire body as a single canvas. His ability to create art that seamlessly blends, connects, and compliments the natural contours of the human body are truly amazing. It is his attention to detail that makes these large scale projects so impressive – each decision is carefully made to ensure every part of the tattoo plays with the distortion and movement of the body itself.

Inspiration comes in many forms as he approaches new work. Most notably the world around him, from buildings and architecture, to murals and drawings and textures in fabrics. He also likes to build upon his own ideas and works. He expands on and evolves ideas from previous projects no matter the medium.

Transformation

By focusing on larger works, Black Symmetry is able to deliver something truly unique to his clients – something that goes unseen in photographs. Full body suits require time, commitment and trust from his clients and over the course of years, Lewis sees firsthand the transformation of the mind and body.

Clients who spend hours in the chair with Lewis gain self confidence as the tattoo becomes part of their personal identity. They are literally transformed into new people who feel better about themselves when they leave his Lisbon studio. This transformation gives Lewis great pride knowing he helped them feel better about themselves.

In a 2012 study titled ‘Tattoo and the Self” – “30% of participants stated that tattoos had significantly improved their confidence, sense of empowerment and changed their self-perceptions. One participant suggested her modification had been a “life changing experience” in a positive way as she felt she had finally gained control of her life.

Once again, these stories are impossible to portray in an Instagram post. To learn, follow Black Symmetry on Co:Create to receive a free digital Zine which highlights 5 clients and the stories of personal empowerment through their tattoos.

In Conclusion

Black Symmetry is an artist’s artist. He is able to view details and approach projects with razor sharp precision unlike most in today's world. It is this meticulous attention to detail that enables him to construct work that goes beyond ink and skin. Work that impacts both the body and mind.

Follow Black Symmetry on Co:Create to receive an exclusive Digital Zine that highlights 4 of his clients and the personal stories of transformation through tattooing.