When I think about how long that I have been doing the tattoo artist profiles for, it’s embarrassing to admit that I have not yet profiled Robert Hernandez. Considering that Hernandez is widely considered to be one of the greatest tattoo artists in the world, I’ve been slacking by not giving this guy the big time respect that he deserves.
Looking at the work of Robert Hernandez is especially rewarding if you happen to be a fan of tattoo portraiture and horror movies. I don’t want to make it sound as though Hernandez is solely a horror film tattoo artist, but there certainly is a grotesque and dark feel to much of his tattoo work. It’s a true mark of exceptional talent when an artist can make disgusting images and characters from horror films or music – a sweat soaked Marilyn Manson, for example – look beautiful.
“Throughout the years I have tried to develop my own unique style. My style tends to be a little on the dark side, sinister even. My main focus has always been realism. I like to play with different tones and textures. I also enjoy distorting portraits or any other type of image. I try to create things that look as alive as possible no matter how far fetched the subject may appear. I believe that anything you can draw or paint you can tattoo.” – Robert Hernandez
Well, Hernandez has certainly succeeded in creating things that look alive. His portraits practically leap off the skin. It’s kind of distracting when you need to write about someone’s tattoos but you haven’t written anything because you can’t stop looking at the artist’s portfolio!
Robert Hernandez has his own tattoo studio set up in Madrid, Spain. He’s of Polish-Spanish descent, gaining much artistic influence during his childhood from his grandfather, who was a caricaturist. This interest in art lead to art lessons as well as the study of art and eventually (and thankfully) tattoo.
Quite arguably one of the greatest tattoo artists ever. Enough said.