July 11 through August 22, 2009
poster by narum
Opening Reception July 11, 20
Museum Hours: Thursday through Sunday, 1 to 6 P.M.
Opening Reception July 11, 20
Museum Hours: Thursday through Sunday, 1 to 6 P.M.
Norman "Sailor Jerry" Collins (1911–1973) is considered the foremost American tattoo artist of his time. He expanded the array of colors available by developing his own safe pigments. He created needle formations that embedded pigment with much less trauma to the skin, and he was one of the first to utilize single-use needles and hospital-quality sterilization. His attention to detail was so precise that the depiction of rigging in his nautical tattoos was said to be perfectly accurate. Artistically, his influence stems from his union of the roguish attitude of the American sailor with the mysticism and technical prowess of the Far East. He maintained a close correspondence with Japanese tattoo masters during his career. He regarded tattoos as the ultimate rebellion against "the Squares".
Sailor Jerry’s last studio, China Sea Tattoo, was in Honolulu's Chinatown, then the only place on the island where tattoo studios were located. He thrived in the hotbed of competition. His work was so widely copied, he took to printing "The Original Sailor Jerry" on his business cards. He went out of his way to mentor those tattoo artists whose talents and attitude he respected, among them tattoo legends Don Ed Hardy, Cliff Raven, Don Nolan, and Mike Malone, to whom he passed on his legacy of flash designs.
Sailor Jerry’s last studio, China Sea Tattoo, was in Honolulu's Chinatown, then the only place on the island where tattoo studios were located. He thrived in the hotbed of competition. His work was so widely copied, he took to printing "The Original Sailor Jerry" on his business cards. He went out of his way to mentor those tattoo artists whose talents and attitude he respected, among them tattoo legends Don Ed Hardy, Cliff Raven, Don Nolan, and Mike Malone, to whom he passed on his legacy of flash designs.
Mike Alfred "Rollo Banks" Malone (1942–2007)
Sailor Jerry's entrusted his name and his artwork to his two protégés, Ed Hardy and Mike Malone, both of whom have become prominent figures in their own right. Hardy, who turned down an MFT scholarship to Yale in order to pursue tattooing, is known for his artistic sophistication and large-scale tattoos. Malone, who also designed under the name "Rollo Banks", was known for his conceptual boldness and distinctive designs. Sadly, Mike passed away in 2007.
"Mike was renowned for his skill at creating and rebuilding some of the finest tattoo machines in the world. His 'Rollomatics' were and still are treasured by tattoo artists around the globe. He used the trademark established by Paul Rogers of implementing old coins for washers and adornment of the machine. His machines are work horses that few manufactured machines can measure up to.
"Mike left Honolulu in the '90's to venture to Minnesota to open Aloha Monkey Tattoo. His last tattoo adventures were at Taylor Street Tattoo in Chicago where he listed himself as a 'retired pirate'!"
(Peggy Sucher, "A Tattoo Master Passes")
The exhibit that opens at the South Austin Museum of Popular Culture on July 11 will feature Mike Malone (Rollo Banks) and his work….tattoo flash and tattoo-style artwork along with photographs and many of the covers he designed for the Austin Chronicle. In addition, there will be information about Sailor Jerry and examples of his tattoo flash will be on display. Curated by Executive Director Leea Mechling, Mike’s former wife, Margaret Moser, has graciously agreed to compose the narrative for the exhibit.Please remember that there is no parking at the Museum, so park on Collier Street and stroll over to the Museum. Frosty beverages and cool art will await your arrival.
For more information contact the Museum:
samopc@gmail.com
512-440-8318
