Henk Schiffmacher: 'Trek je shirt maar uit, dan vertel ik wie je bent' | Tattoo-artist | Het Uur

Tattoo artist Henk Schiefmacher reflects on a lifelong career defined by subculture, rebellion, and the evolution of body art. Initially drawn to the raw, adventurous atmosphere of Amsterdam’s Zeedijk, he views tattoos as a non-verbal communication tool and a form of personal identity. His journey, marked by early struggles with dyslexia and a strict upbringing, led him to reject conventional paths in favor of visual storytelling. He discusses the shift of tattooing from a fringe, often illicit practice to a mainstream cultural phenomenon, while cautioning against the superficiality of modern trends. Beyond his professional craft, he highlights the importance of preserving tattoo history through his extensive collection of ethnographic artifacts, viewing the body as a living diary that bridges personal memory and cultural heritage.