Talking about what he does best, Vikas told me, “In the last 15 years if I met 100 tattoo artists, only 3 were women. I want to introduce more women to this art.”
His mother is his inspiration. We got in touch with Vikas to know more about his recent initiative wherein he tattooed acid attack survivors and taught them the art.
One of his clients at the tattoo workshop was our dear Laxmi, who won our hearts with the choice of her word ‘Freedom.’
How did you come up with the idea of
tattooing acid attack survivors and teaching them the art? Are you teaching them for free?
Last women’s day, I collaborated with acid attack survivors. I feel that this small effort from my end can bring happiness into their lives. They need people who can talk to them without any hesitation. I want to convey to the world that beauty is superficial.
Our work brings us worth, and that is our identity. I consider my work as a medium to make them happy. Yes, I taught them for free. The first workshop was intended to break the ice and give them a brief about tattoo making. More such workshops are underway.
No, it doesn’t. There are cuts and wounds and burns on people’s skin. And they get tattoos done. It is always advisable to get it done by an expert, someone who knows his art well.
Acid attack survivors and tattooing, both are often seen as taboos in our country. How do you vision this combination to become a success?
Well, with your love and support, I hope to bring a change in the mindset of the society. It is easy to pick people and sympathize like many did with acid attack victims. But I want to ask them, what have they done to make them feel wanted, an equal part of our society? People should become more compassionate and sensitive.
What obstacles did you face in this course of time?