Marco C. Matarese: Tattoo Artist Inspired by Etching and Wunderkammer

Marco C. Matarese, born in 1975, blends his background in fine arts, architecture, and antique dealing into his tattoo practice. He studied at Liceo Artistico, Accademia di Brera under Alberto Garutti, and a film school founded by Ermanno Olmi. After working as a set decorator, fresco painter, and architectural associate in Novara, he opened PURO TATTOO STUDIO in Milan in 2014. The studio is designed as a 'dark Wunderkammer' and a 'country chapel,' reflecting Catholic and alchemical imagery. Matarese exclusively uses black ink, transposing etching techniques onto skin with primary lines for volume, secondary lines for chiaroscuro, and light scratches for character. His recurring motif is broken, cracked sculptures, symbolizing human psyche. He draws inspiration from 18th- and 19th-century etchings, sculptures, anatomy, and illustrations, avoiding didacticism. Clients often resemble the artist; he works by appointment, custom-designing tattoos after deep conversations. He sees his role as interpreting the client's imagination through artistic foundations. The interview was conducted by Margherita Zanoletti.