Known for his morbid black and grey body art, New Zealand artist Hokowhitu Sciascia is a master of the macabre and purveyor of abstract and surreal tattoos.

Although he had always known that he wanted a creative career, it wasn’t until he received his first tattoo at the age of 17 that Hoko realised tattooing was his calling all along.

Since becoming a full-time tattoo artist, Hoko has found himself working at conventions and studios in most continents across the globe, bringing his dark, macabre body art to the masses.

Most recently, the Kiwi tattooist has found himself back at Ship Shape Tattoo in his home country, alongside fellow Killer Ink sponsored artists Matt Jordan, Ben Kaye, Nicklas Wong, Jason Baker, and Nato Borges.

A lover of classical art, Hoko cites Caravaggio, Gustave Doré, and Peter Paul Rubens as his biggest influences, alongside modern contemporaries like H.R. Giger and Zdzisław Beksiński.

As well as being an incredible tattooer, Hoko is also well versed in digital design, primarily digital sculpture, which he used to create designs for his clients, ensuring that each and every one is unique.

To create his morbid, surreal work, Hoko uses a variety of tattoo supplies from Killer Ink, namely Inkjecta tattoo machines.

Make sure to keep up to date with all of Hokowhitu Sciascia’s work by following him on Instagram!